Neurosurgery Coding Alert

The current relative value units (RVU) for CPT codes 61697, 61698, 61700 and 61702 appear to include erroneous information, according to Cherie L. McNett, a representative from the Washington office of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons (AANS/CNS). The reported RVUs for 61697 (surgery of complex intracranial aneurysm, intracranial approach; carotid circulation) and 61698 ( vertebrobasilar circulation) are lower than those for 61700 (surgery of simple intracranial aneurysm, intracranial approach; carotid circulation) and 61702 (vertebro-basilar circulation).

McNett believes that these figures are probably the result of a data entry error by HCFA during the preparation of the published RVU fee schedule, and has already contacted the administration about the matter. The AANS/CNS strongly recommends that neurosurgery practices continue to bill the complex codes. Coders should, however, check with their local carriers to ensure they are within their requirements. Note: Neurosurgery Coding Alert will monitor the situation and report on any movement by HCFA toward restoration of the RVUs for 61697 and 61698.