Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Question: What code can I report when my doctor did stereotactic radiosurgery for an acoustic neuroma? His part was placement of the head frame and volumetric analysis and mapping of the tumor as part of planning procedure.

Florida Subscriber

Answer: The code 61798 (Stereotactic radiosurgery [particle beam, gamma ray, or linear accelerator); 1 complex cranial lesion] is appropriate for the stereotactic procedure here. The complex code is chosen because of the proximity of the lesion to the brainstem. You should also use the add-on code 61800 (Application of stereotactic headframe for stereotactic radiosurgery (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)) for placement of the head frame. Make sure these services are mentioned in the operative note.