Neurosurgery Coding Alert
READER QUESTION:
Silastic Graft
Published on Fri Nov 01, 2002
Question: What is the appropriate code to report silastic dural expansion graft following craniectomy for evacuation of hematoma? Arizona Subscriber Answer: Most payers reason that following surgery the surgeon must close the dura regardless of whether a graft is used. Therefore, a silastic dural expansion graft (which is synthetic and need not be harvested) is incidental to the major procedure and does not justify additional coding or payment. In the case you describe, you may report the craniotomy and subdural hematoma evacuation only, using 61312 (Craniectomy or craniotomy for evacuation of hematoma, supratentorial; extradural or subdural).
Other Articles in this issue of
Neurosurgery Coding Alert
- Massive CCI Version 8.3 Brings Revision for Neurosurgery Practice
CMS, along with the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), has released version 8.3 of the [...] - Reimbursement Is Knocking:
Coding Open-Door Laminoplasty
Open-door laminoplasty is a unique neurosurgical procedure for which there is no dedicated CPT code. [...] - Don't Overlook Codes for Fluoroscopic Imaging
Neurosurgeons use fluoroscopic imaging for a variety of surgical and diagnostic procedures. Recognizing how to [...] - You Be the Coder:
Stealth Navigation System
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the [...] - Thorough Diagnosis Coding Boosts E/M Reimbursement
Coexisting conditions influence an E/M service's basic components (history, exam and medical decision-making, or MDM) [...] - READER QUESTION:
Pain Dx
Question: My physician often claims "chronic pain" as a diagnosis, but I can find no [...] - READER QUESTION:
Intraoperative Ultrasound
Question: Our surgeon used ultrasound localization during a posterior fossa craniectomy for resection of cerebellar [...] - READER QUESTION:
CSF Leak
Question: I have a denial from a private insurance carrier saying cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak [...] - READER QUESTION:
Silastic Graft
Question: What is the appropriate code to report silastic dural expansion graft following craniectomy for [...] - READER QUESTION:
Redo Procedure
Question: A Medicare patient had an evacuation of a subdural hematoma (61154). Twenty-three days later, [...]
View All
