Neurosurgery Coding Alert

As reported in the April 2002 Neurosurgery Coding Alert, coding for placement of Gliadel Wafers can be problematic because CPT does not contain a specific code to describe the procedure. Recently, however, a physician member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons successfully petitioned the AMA to develop a CPT code for Gliadel Wafer insertion. The new code (which has not yet been announced) is expected to appear in CPT 2003, thereby allowing separate billing, and possibly payment, for placement of the wafers.

Until the new code becomes official, neurosurgeons should contact individual payers for suggestions on which code they recommend for reporting the procedure (see Neurosurgery Coding Alert, April 2002 for more information).

Note: Guilford Pharmaceutical operates a free comprehensive reimbursement support program that will contact the payer for you and determine suggested coding and help with the precertification process.This program is called CaRe (Case Management and Reimbursement Assistance Program).The toll-free number is 877-909-2337.