How To Use CPT Code 61540

CPT 61540 describes the procedure of craniotomy with elevation of bone flap for lobectomy, excluding the temporal lobe, either partially or completely, without electrocorticography during surgery. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 61540, including its official description, the procedure involved, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 61540?

CPT 61540 is used to describe a specific surgical procedure known as craniotomy with elevation of bone flap for lobectomy. This procedure involves the partial or total removal of a brain lobe, excluding the temporal lobe, through an elevated portion of the skull bone. It does not involve the use of electrocorticography during the surgery.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 61540 is: ‘Craniotomy with elevation of bone flap; for lobectomy, other than temporal lobe, partial or total, without electrocorticography during surgery.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the healthcare provider begins by making an incision in the scalp and creating burr holes to elevate a portion of the skull bone.
2. Once the bone flap is elevated, the provider gains access to the affected brain lobe, which can be the frontal, parietal, or occipital lobe.
3. The provider then proceeds to partially or completely remove the lobe, depending on the specific needs of the patient.
4. If necessary, the provider may drain any excess fluid or blood using a drain.
5. After removing the lobe and addressing any additional concerns, the provider sutures the layers of tissue together and reattaches the bone flap using plates, wires, or sutures.
6. Finally, the provider covers the wound with a sterile dressing to promote healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 61540 is applicable when a patient requires a lobectomy, excluding the temporal lobe, either partially or completely. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider who is qualified to perform craniotomy with elevation of bone flap. It is important to note that electrocorticography is not utilized during this specific procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 61540

CPT code 61540 should be used when a craniotomy with elevation of bone flap is performed for the purpose of lobectomy, excluding the temporal lobe, either partially or completely. It is important to ensure that electrocorticography is not utilized during the surgery. If electrocorticography is performed, a different CPT code should be used to accurately reflect the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 61540, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for lobectomy
• Specific details of the procedure, including the brain lobe involved and whether it was partially or completely removed
• Date of the surgery
• Any additional procedures performed during the surgery
• Details of any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 61540, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the official description. The procedure should involve craniotomy with elevation of bone flap for lobectomy, excluding the temporal lobe, either partially or completely, without the use of electrocorticography. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by insurance companies or regulatory bodies.

8. Historical information

CPT code 61540 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2004. It has not undergone any updates since its addition. Additionally, it was included in the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes craniotomy with elevation of bone flap for the partial removal of the frontal lobe, excluding the temporal lobe, without the use of electrocorticography.
2. A healthcare provider performs craniotomy with elevation of bone flap for the complete removal of the parietal lobe, excluding the temporal lobe, without the use of electrocorticography.
3. During a surgical procedure, a patient undergoes craniotomy with elevation of bone flap for the partial removal of the occipital lobe, excluding the temporal lobe, without the use of electrocorticography.
4. A healthcare provider performs craniotomy with elevation of bone flap for the complete removal of the frontal lobe, excluding the temporal lobe, without the use of electrocorticography.
5. During a surgical procedure, a patient undergoes craniotomy with elevation of bone flap for the partial removal of the parietal lobe, excluding the temporal lobe, without the use of electrocorticography.