Neurosurgery Coding Alert
Submit 61520 for Vestibular Schwannoma
Question: Is the code 61510 (Craniectomy, trephination, bone flap craniotomy; for excision of brain tumor, supratentorial, except meningioma) correct choice for reporting a retromastoid craniotomy which was done for resection of a vestibular schwannoma 3cm in diameter?
Answer: CPT® 61510 describes removal of a supratentorial intracranial tumor. The vestibular schwannoma represents an infratentorial neoplasm. CPT® 61520 (Craniectomy for excision of brain tumor, infratentorial or posterior fossa; cerebellopontine angle tumor) describes the excision of a vestibular schwannoma via a retromastoid craniotomy. CPT® +69990 (Microsurgical techniques, requiring use of operating microscope [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) for microdissection may also be reported if performed and documented in the operative note.
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Neurosurgery Coding Alert
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