How To Use CPT Code 61580

CPT 61580 describes the craniofacial approach to the anterior cranial fossa, specifically for extradural procedures. 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 61580?

CPT 61580 is a code used to describe the craniofacial approach to the anterior cranial fossa for extradural procedures. This approach involves accessing the hollow area of the skull base outside the dura mater to treat lesions or defects. The specific procedures included in this approach may vary depending on the location and size of the lesion.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 61580 is: ‘Craniofacial approach to anterior cranial fossa; extradural, including lateral rhinotomy, ethmoidectomy, sphenoidectomy, without maxillectomy or orbital exenteration.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs a craniofacial approach to access the anterior cranial fossa.
2. This approach involves lateral rhinotomy, ethmoidectomy, and sphenoidectomy to expose the extradural lesion or defect.
3. The specific procedures performed may vary depending on the location and size of the lesion.
4. Other surgeries, repairs, or reconstructions should be reported separately.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 61580 is used for patients who require a craniofacial approach to the anterior cranial fossa for extradural procedures. This code is specifically for procedures that do not involve maxillectomy or orbital exenteration. The selection of this approach depends on the location and size of the lesion or defect.

5. When to use CPT code 61580

CPT code 61580 should be used when the provider performs a craniofacial approach to the anterior cranial fossa for extradural procedures. This code is appropriate when the procedures performed include lateral rhinotomy, ethmoidectomy, and sphenoidectomy, without maxillectomy or orbital exenteration.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 61580, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the craniofacial approach and the need for extradural procedures
• Specific procedures performed, including lateral rhinotomy, ethmoidectomy, and sphenoidectomy
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional surgeries, repairs, or reconstructions performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 61580, ensure that the craniofacial approach is performed for extradural procedures and includes lateral rhinotomy, ethmoidectomy, and sphenoidectomy. Maxillectomy or orbital exenteration should not be included in the procedure. Report any additional surgeries, repairs, or reconstructions separately.

8. Historical information

CPT 61580 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. The code has not undergone any updates since its addition. It is important to note that CPT 61580 is listed under the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a craniofacial approach to the anterior cranial fossa for an extradural lesion, which involves lateral rhinotomy, ethmoidectomy, and sphenoidectomy.
2. A provider performs a craniofacial approach to treat a defect in the anterior cranial fossa, using lateral rhinotomy, ethmoidectomy, and sphenoidectomy.
3. A craniofacial approach is used to access an extradural lesion in the anterior cranial fossa, with lateral rhinotomy, ethmoidectomy, and sphenoidectomy performed by the provider.
4. A patient requires a craniofacial approach for extradural procedures in the anterior cranial fossa, including lateral rhinotomy, ethmoidectomy, and sphenoidectomy.
5. The provider performs a craniofacial approach to treat a lesion in the anterior cranial fossa, using lateral rhinotomy, ethmoidectomy, and sphenoidectomy.
6. A craniofacial approach is utilized for extradural procedures in the anterior cranial fossa, with lateral rhinotomy, ethmoidectomy, and sphenoidectomy performed by the provider.
7. A patient undergoes a craniofacial approach to treat a defect in the anterior cranial fossa, including lateral rhinotomy, ethmoidectomy, and sphenoidectomy.
8. The provider performs a craniofacial approach for extradural procedures in the anterior cranial fossa, using lateral rhinotomy, ethmoidectomy, and sphenoidectomy.
9. A craniofacial approach is used to access an extradural lesion in the anterior cranial fossa, with lateral rhinotomy, ethmoidectomy, and sphenoidectomy performed by the provider.
10. A patient requires a craniofacial approach for extradural procedures in the anterior cranial fossa, including lateral rhinotomy, ethmoidectomy, and sphenoidectomy.