How To Use CPT Code 61606

CPT 61606 describes the resection or excision of a neoplastic, vascular, or infectious lesion located in the infratemporal fossa, parapharyngeal space, or petrous apex. 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 61606?

CPT 61606 can be used to describe the surgical removal of a neoplastic, vascular, or infectious lesion located in the infratemporal fossa, parapharyngeal space, or petrous apex. This code is used when the provider removes all or part of the lesion, which may be intradural, and may involve dural repair with or without a graft.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 61606 is: ‘Resection or excision of neoplastic, vascular or infectious lesion of infratemporal fossa, parapharyngeal space, petrous apex; intradural, including dural repair, with or without graft.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider accesses the skull base and identifies the neoplastic, vascular, or infectious lesion located in the infratemporal fossa, parapharyngeal space, or petrous apex.
2. The provider removes all or part of the lesion, ensuring complete resection.
3. If necessary, the provider performs dural repair, which may include the use of a graft.
4. The procedure may involve reconstruction of the dura, depending on the extent of the lesion and the repair required.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 61606 are those with neoplastic, vascular, or infectious lesions located in the infratemporal fossa, parapharyngeal space, or petrous apex. The procedure is performed intradurally, meaning it is within the dura mater, the tough outer membrane surrounding the central nervous system. The provider may perform dural repair, with or without a graft, depending on the extent of the lesion and the repair required.

5. When to use CPT code 61606

CPT code 61606 should be used when the provider performs the resection or excision of a neoplastic, vascular, or infectious lesion located in the infratemporal fossa, parapharyngeal space, or petrous apex. This code is specifically for intradural lesions and includes dural repair, with or without a graft.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 61606, the provider must document the following information:

• Description of the neoplastic, vascular, or infectious lesion
• Location of the lesion in the infratemporal fossa, parapharyngeal space, or petrous apex
• Details of the procedure, including the extent of resection and any dural repair performed
• Use of a graft, if applicable
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 61606, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for resection or excision of a neoplastic, vascular, or infectious lesion located in the infratemporal fossa, parapharyngeal space, or petrous apex. The documentation should clearly indicate the intradural nature of the lesion and any dural repair performed. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 61606 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes CPT 61606 for the resection of a neoplastic lesion located in the infratemporal fossa.
2. A provider performs CPT 61606 to excise a vascular lesion in the parapharyngeal space.
3. An intradural infectious lesion in the petrous apex is removed using CPT 61606.
4. A patient with a neoplastic lesion in the infratemporal fossa undergoes CPT 61606 for its resection, including dural repair with a graft.
5. A provider performs CPT 61606 to excise an intradural vascular lesion in the parapharyngeal space.
6. A patient with an infectious lesion in the petrous apex undergoes CPT 61606 for its resection, including dural repair without a graft.
7. CPT 61606 is used to remove a neoplastic lesion located in the infratemporal fossa, with dural repair performed by the provider.
8. A provider performs CPT 61606 to excise a vascular lesion in the parapharyngeal space, with dural repair and a graft.
9. An intradural infectious lesion in the petrous apex is removed using CPT 61606, with dural repair performed by the provider.
10. A patient with a neoplastic lesion in the infratemporal fossa undergoes CPT 61606 for its resection, including dural repair without a graft.