Neurosurgery Coding Alert
EVD Coding Depends on Circumstances
Question: Our neurosurgeon performed an external ventricular drain (EVD) placement. Which code should we report for this service? New York Subscriber Answer: If the surgeon placed the EVD using a twist drill (or hand drill), you should report 61107 (Twist drill hole[s] for subdural, intracerebral, or ventricular puncture; for implanting ventricular catheter, pressure recording device, or other intracerebral monitoring device). Surgeons often perform this procedure for drainage or to determine the amount of excess fluid that the patient is generating. Surgeons may perform this procedure at the bedside. You should report 61210 (Burr hole[s]; for implanting ventricular catheter, reservoir, EEG electrode[s], pressure recording device, or other cerebral monitoring device- [separate procedure]) if the physician performs the burr hole for ventricular puncture, usually performed in the OR.
Neurosurgery Coding Alert
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Rely on E/M Code for Suture Removal
Question: A patient went out of state for surgery (a 90-day global procedure) and came [...] - Reader Questions:
EVD Coding Depends on Circumstances
Question: Our neurosurgeon performed an external ventricular drain (EVD) placement. Which code should we report [...] - Reader Questions:
Decompression Claim? Cancel Out Mod 50
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Insurers May Balk at Paying Multiple Units of 77002
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Apply This Code for Endoscopic-to-Open Surgery
Question: Our surgeon attempted to remove a pituitary tumor using the endoscope (62165). During the [...] - Reader Questions:
Look to 95951 for Epilepsy Monitoring
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