How To Use CPT Code 61514

CPT 61514 describes the procedure of craniectomy, trephination, bone flap craniotomy for the excision of a brain abscess located above the tentorium cerebella. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 61514?

CPT 61514 can be used to describe the surgical procedure performed to remove a brain abscess located above the tentorium cerebella. This code is used when the provider performs a craniectomy, trephination, and bone flap craniotomy to excise the abscess and restore the bone flap to its original position.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 61514 is: ‘Craniectomy, trephination, bone flap craniotomy; for excision of brain abscess, supratentorial.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision in the scalp above the area where the brain abscess is located.
2. A circular portion of the skull bone is removed using a drilling technique called trephination.
3. This allows the provider to access and excise the brain abscess located above the tentorium cerebella.
4. Any excess fluid or blood is drained using a drain.
5. The layers of tissue are then sutured together to close the incision.
6. The bone flap is reattached to its original position using plates, wires, or sutures.
7. Finally, the wound is covered with a sterile dressing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 61514 is used for patients who require the excision of a brain abscess located above the tentorium cerebella. The procedure is performed by a provider who is appropriately trained and qualified to perform craniectomy, trephination, and bone flap craniotomy. The patient must have a documented diagnosis of a brain abscess in the supratentorial region.

5. When to use CPT code 61514

CPT code 61514 should be used when a provider performs a craniectomy, trephination, and bone flap craniotomy specifically for the excision of a brain abscess located above the tentorium cerebella. This code should not be used for other procedures or conditions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 61514, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a brain abscess located above the tentorium cerebella
• Details of the procedure performed, including the specific techniques used
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 61514, ensure that the procedure performed meets the criteria described in the official description. It is important to accurately document the diagnosis and procedure details to support the claim. CPT 61514 should not be reported with other codes unless additional procedures were performed during the same session.

8. Historical information

CPT 61514 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has not undergone any updates since its addition. However, it is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions to the code in future code sets.

9. Examples

1. A neurosurgeon performs a craniectomy, trephination, and bone flap craniotomy to excise a brain abscess located above the tentorium cerebella.
2. A patient with a diagnosed brain abscess undergoes a surgical procedure involving craniectomy, trephination, and bone flap craniotomy for abscess excision.
3. A provider performs a craniectomy, trephination, and bone flap craniotomy to remove a brain abscess in the supratentorial region.
4. A neurologist refers a patient with a brain abscess above the tentorium cerebella for a craniectomy, trephination, and bone flap craniotomy procedure.
5. A patient with a documented brain abscess undergoes a surgical intervention involving craniectomy, trephination, and bone flap craniotomy for abscess removal.
6. A provider performs a craniectomy, trephination, and bone flap craniotomy to excise a brain abscess located in the supratentorial region.
7. A neurosurgeon performs a surgical procedure involving craniectomy, trephination, and bone flap craniotomy to remove a brain abscess above the tentorium cerebella.
8. A patient with a diagnosed brain abscess undergoes a craniectomy, trephination, and bone flap craniotomy for abscess excision.
9. A provider performs a craniectomy, trephination, and bone flap craniotomy to remove a brain abscess located above the tentorium cerebella.
10. A neurologist refers a patient with a brain abscess in the supratentorial region for a craniectomy, trephination, and bone flap craniotomy procedure.