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Neurosurgery Coding Alert

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Report Correct Codes for Vagal Nerve Stimulators

Published on Thu Apr 28, 2011

Question:Of the codes 64568 or 64568 and 61885-51, 95974, which one is appropriate to report the implantation of a vagal nerve stimulator? And what are the RVUs for 64568? Pennsylvania SubscriberAnswer:Reporting code 64568 (Incision for implantation of cranial nerve (eg, vagus nerve) neurostimulator electrode array and pulse generator) implies that the surgeon placed the electrode array and the pulse generator. You would code 64569 (Revision or replacement of cranial nerve (eg, vagus nerve) neurostimulator electrode array, including connection to existing pulse generator) when the surgeon does a revision or replacement of the electrode array and its connections to an existing pulse generator. These codes are new for 2011. Note that code 64568 now includes both placement of the vagus nerve electrode, as well as placement of the pulse generator.Note that 64568 or 64569 cannot be used with 64570 (Removal of cranial nerve (eg, vagus nerve) neurostimulator electrode array and pulse [...]
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