Neurosurgery Coding Alert
Look for the Reason in Craniectomies
Question Is the code 61322 solely for raised intracranial pressure (may be due to trauma) or can it be applied for the hemicraniectomy done in hemispheric ischemic infarct with hemorrhagic transformation? Iowa Subscriber Answer The code 61322 (Craniectomy or craniotomy, decompressive, with or without duraplasty, for treatment of intracranial hypertension, without evacuation of associated intraparenchymal hematoma; without lobectomy) is reserved for craniectomy done to address the raised intracranial pressure without additional removal of brain tissue or hematoma. It can be applied in your example if a lobectomy or hematoma evacuation are not also performed. For craniectomy procedures done in hemispheric infarction with hemorrhagic transformation in which the hematoma is removed, use 61313 (Craniectomy or craniotomy for evacuation of hematoma, supratentorial; intracerebral).
Neurosurgery Coding Alert
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Code for Location and Etiology in Craniotomies
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Debunk These Top Modifier 22 Myths
Appending modifier 22 for increased procedural services may increase the chances of an audit.When a [...] - You Be the Coder:
Report Correct Codes for Vagal Nerve Stimulators
Question:Of the codes 64568 or 64568 and 61885-51, 95974, which one is appropriate to report [...] - Reader Questions:
Discretely Report Arthrodesis Codes
QuestionCan we bill 22630 and 22612 together? Alabama SubscriberAnswerCodes 22630 (Arthrodesis, posterior interbody technique, including [...] - Reader Questions:
Correctly Code for Spinal Metastatic Tumors
QuestionIf the surgeon performs an 11-level thoracic laminectomy for bilateral removal of a metastatic tumor, [...] - Reader Questions:
Look for the Reason in Craniectomies
QuestionIs the code 61322 solely for raised intracranial pressure (may be due to trauma) or [...] - Reader Questions:
Report Distinct Services of Each Surgeon
QuestionIf both an ENT and neurosurgeon are using 61782 at the same time but each [...] - Reader Questions:
Can 61510 and 61781 Be Billed Together
QuestionWhen coding 61510 and 61781, Medicare denied payment for 61781, stating 'Claim /service denied because [...]
