Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Question: When coding the removal of an intrathecal baclofen pump, can we submit CPT ®code 62365? If our physician does a partial catheter removal, can we report code 62355 in addition to 62365? Our surgeon also aspirated cerebrospinal fluid. Can we submit code 62272? Will code 62272 be bundled with 62365 or 62355? What code can we submit for c-arm?

Codify Subscriber

Answer: Code 62365 (Removal of subcutaneous reservoir or pump, previously implanted for intrathecal or epidural infusion) is the appropriate code for the described procedure. You will not bill for both 62365 and 62355 (Removal of previously implanted intrathecal or epidural catheter). The catheter removal in this circumstance is typically incidental to the pump removal. However, if a separate site exposure is required for the catheter removal, then 62355 would be separately reported with modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service).

You will not report CPT® code 62272 (Spinal puncture, therapeutic, for drainage of cerebrospinal fluid [by needle or catheter]) if your physician is removing the intrathecal or epidural catheter.

Additionally, intraoperative imaging including fluoroscopy or plain x-ray are considered incidental to the procedure and not separately reportable.