This page addresses follow-up questions and additional information pertinent to our webinar
Get Brainy about Procedure Coding for the Brain.
** The coding information and guidance are valid at the time of publishing. Learners are encouraged to research
subsequent official guidance in the areas associated with the topic as they can change rapidly.
Q: Is there a code for placement of a bone flap in the abdominal subcutaneous tissue for “storage” until the bone flap can be replaced?
A: Actually yes. CPT code 61316 is an add-on code that can be reported with an appropriate craniectomy code when a subcutaneous incision is made, and the bone is stored there temporarily.
Q: Of the one I already listed; what if the patient had the bone flap stored in the subcutaneous tissue? Is there a code for removing it from the abdomen or is that included in the cranioplasty code?
A: Yes, CPT code 62148 is incision and retrieval of the bone graft. It is also an add-on code to be reported only with cranioplasty codes 62140-62147.
Q: Is it appropriate to report add-on code 61781, Stereotactic computer-assisted (navigational) procedure; cranial, intradural, in conjunction with code 61863?
A: No. As stated in the parenthetical guidelines in the CPT 2014 Professional Edition codebook (p. 346), Do not report 61781 in conjunction with 61720-61791, 61796-61799, 61863-61868, 62201, 77371-77373, 77432. The stereotactic components are included.
Meet the Presenter: Carol Paton, MSc, PG Cert., CPC, CPMA
Carol brings over 20 years of industry experience to her role as a Senior Coding Educator at Haugen Consulting Group. With a background in nursing, Carol brings a unique perspective to coding education, allowing her to communicate effectively with both coders and providers to ensure a high-quality learning experience. A proven self-starter and valuable team member, Carol excels at motivating and developing others while building positive relationships across teams and departments. Her career spans several large specialty health systems, where she has served as a coding auditor and educator, delivering targeted education across various service lines.
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