Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Question: The surgeon performed surgery on an intracranial aneurysm via cervical approach. I’m not sure what code to choose, as the notes appear incomplete. The documentation references that the surgeon “applies Selv-Crutch-type clamp to carotid.” Is this enough information to find a CPT^® code?

Minnesota Subscriber

Answer: Maybe.

Given the documentation you have provided, this sounds like a 61703 (Surgery of intracranial aneurysm, cervical approach by application of occluding clamp to cervical carotid artery (Selverstone-Crutchfield type)) claim. The “Selv-Crutch-type clamp” is likely shorthand for the Selverstone-Crutchfield type clamp. This clamp might also be referred to as Poppen- Blaylock, Salibi, or Kindt. All of these terms point toward 61703 when you’re reporting repair of an intracranial aneurysm via cervical approach.

You should be sure before filing 61703, however. If you can, ask the provider directly if you’ve got the proper code. otherwise, try digging through the notes a bit to see if 61703 fits the bill.