Advanced Search

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

READER QUESTION ~ Consider Drain Placement Part of Craniotomy Package

Published on Fri Jan 20, 2006

Question: An epileptic patient reported to the office for a craniotomy. During the procedure, the neuro-surgeon implanted an electrode array and then placed a Jackson Pratt drain. Can we report the drain placement in this encounter?

Nevada Subscriber
 
Answer: You won't be allowed to report the placement of the drain; it is bundled into the craniotomy code. On the claim,

- report 61533 (Craniotomy with elevation of bone flap; for subdural implantation of an electrode array, for long-term seizure monitoring) for the craniotomy.

-  append 345.9x (Epilepsy, unspecified) to 61533 to prove medical necessity for the procedure.
 
Also: When your neurosurgeon removes the Jackson Pratt drain, the service is also bundled into 61533.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

View All