Neurosurgery Coding Alert
Report 64568 With Caution
Question: The neurosurgeon implants a neurostimulator electrode array on the vagus nerve and one of the cranial nerves for a patient who suffers from refractory seizures. The surgeon also implanted a programmable pulse generator. Which CPT® code should we report for this procedure? Florida Subscriber Answer: You should report 64568 (Incision for implantation of cranial nerve (eg, vagus nerve) neurostimulator electrode array and pulse generator) for this procedure. Caution: You should never report 64568 in conjunction with 64570 (Removal of cranial nerve [e.g., vagus nerve], neurostimulator electrode array and pulse generator), according to CPT®. You also should never report 64568 in conjunction with 61885 (Insertion or replacement of cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver, direct or inductive coupling; with connection to a single electrode array) and 61886 (… with connection to 2 or more electrode array), or according to CPT®.
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Report 64568 With Caution
Question: The neurosurgeon implants a neurostimulator electrode array on the vagus nerve and one of [...]
