How To Use CPT Code 61501

CPT 61501 describes a surgical procedure in which a part of the skull that is infected is removed. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 61501?

CPT 61501 can be used to describe a surgical procedure in which the provider removes a part of the skull that is infected. This code is used when the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized, and the provider makes an incision around the infected part of the scalp, removes it, reconstructs the skull, repairs the defect left after the resection of infected bone, drains out any excess fluid or blood, and covers the wound with a sterile dressing.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 61501 is: ‘Craniectomy; for osteomyelitis.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider preps and anesthetizes the patient.
2. An incision is made around the infected part of the scalp.
3. The infected part of the skull is removed.
4. The provider reconstructs the skull and repairs the defect left after the resection of infected bone.
5. Excess fluid or blood is drained out.
6. The wound is covered with a sterile dressing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 61501 are those with osteomyelitis, which is an infection of the bone. The procedure is performed by a provider who is qualified to perform craniectomy procedures.

5. When to use CPT code 61501

CPT code 61501 should be used when a provider performs a craniectomy procedure for osteomyelitis. It should not be used for other conditions or procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 61501, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of osteomyelitis
• Details of the procedure performed, including the specific part of the skull that was removed
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 61501, ensure that the procedure performed is a craniectomy for osteomyelitis. Follow the appropriate coding guidelines and modifiers as required by the payer. It is important to review the payer’s policies and guidelines to ensure accurate and appropriate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 61501 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. In 2017, it was added under the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A patient with osteomyelitis undergoes a craniectomy procedure to remove the infected part of the skull.
2. A provider performs a craniectomy for osteomyelitis on a patient who has been diagnosed with the condition.
3. A craniectomy procedure is performed on a patient with osteomyelitis to remove the infected bone.
4. A provider performs a craniectomy for osteomyelitis on a patient who has failed to respond to other treatments.
5. A patient with osteomyelitis undergoes a craniectomy procedure to prevent the spread of infection.
6. A provider performs a craniectomy for osteomyelitis on a patient with a severe infection in the skull.
7. A craniectomy procedure is performed on a patient with osteomyelitis to alleviate symptoms and improve the patient’s condition.
8. A provider performs a craniectomy for osteomyelitis on a patient who is experiencing complications from the infection.
9. A patient with osteomyelitis undergoes a craniectomy procedure to remove the infected bone and promote healing.
10. A provider performs a craniectomy for osteomyelitis on a patient who requires surgical intervention to treat the infection.