Neurosurgery Coding Alert
Bone Flap Craniotomy With Chemo Agent
Question: The surgeon performs a supratentorial bone flap craniotomy for excision of a brain tumor. During the surgery, they also implant a brain intracavitary chemotherapy agent. How should I report this encounter? Tennessee Subscriber Answer: For this claim, you’ll need a pair of codes. On the claim, report: More about +61517: This is an exclusive add-on code. According to CPT®, only two codes are approved for use with +61517: 61510 and 61518 (Craniectomy for excision of brain tumor, infratentorial or posterior fossa; except meningioma, cerebellopontine angle tumor, or midline tumor at base of skull). If you see it used with another code, red flags should rise up.
Related Articles
Neurosurgery Coding Alert
- Surgery:
Learn to Count to Code Vertebroplasty/Vertebral Augmentation
The number of vertebrae treated will affect code choice. Patients reporting to your surgeon for [...] - E/M Coding:
Experts Evaluate 2023 Inpatient/Hospital Codes
Getting used to new E/M guidelines is challenging. Unless you haven’t coded anything in 2023, [...] - Compliance:
Hit Documentation Hotspots to Nail Each Claim
E/M level very often affected by what’s in the notes. Comprehensive documentation is key to [...] - You Be the Coder:
Bone Flap Craniotomy With Chemo Agent
Question: The surgeon performs a supratentorial bone flap craniotomy for excision of a brain tumor. [...] - Reader Questions:
Approach Matters on Tumor Excision
Question: How should I report excision of a pituitary tumor? AAPC Forum Subscriber Answer: It [...] - Reader Questions:
Remember Code First Notes for Neuro Disorder
Question: The surgeon treats a patient with mild neurocognitive disorder due to Parkinson’s disease. Is [...] - Reader Questions:
Drill Down Into Details for Dementia Dx
Question: A patient who suffers from mild vascular dementia has exhibited some aggressive physical behaviors: [...]
