Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Question: What CPT^® code should we report if the neurosurgeon removed a previously placed tunneled spinal catheter?

Texas Subscriber

Answer: Carefully read the procedure note to confirm if the neurosurgeon removed a previously placed tunneled catheter. When the neurosurgeon removes a spinal catheter, you should report 62355 (Removal of previously implanted intrathecal or epidural catheter). Don’t miss: This code applies to tunneled spinal catheters for long-term medication administration and not to percutaneously-placed catheters for short term bolus or continuous infusions.

Note: Code 62355 also applies to both epidural and intrathecal catheters, so you can report 62355 for removal of either an epidural or an intrathecal catheter.

Tip: Do not forget to report the removal of the pump in addition to removal of a catheter if an internal pump was also implanted. For pump removal you report code 62365 (Removal of subcutaneous reservoir or pump, previously implanted for intrathecal or epidural infusion).