Pain Management Coding Alert
Remember Debridement Is Part of Pulse Generator Removal
Question: Our pain management provider removed two leads and a pulse generator due to the patient’s cellulitis over the pocket of the generator. The cellulitic area was excised and the internal pulse generator capsule was excised in its entirety. How should we code the debridement of the pocket?
Virginia Subscriber
Answer: Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits bundle repair codes with your CPT® code in question: 63688 (Revision or removal of implanted spinal neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver). Most payers probably consider the debridement as part of the removal code, which is part of 63688.
No two cases are exactly alike, however, so there might be times when you’re justified in reporting both the debridement and removal/repair. You’ll need to study the documentation to verify whether this might be the case, such as when the debridement is a separate procedure such as performed in a different anatomic area instead of a component of removing the pulse generator and preparing the pocket wound closure.
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