How To Use CPT Code 61611

CPT 61611 describes the transection or ligation of the carotid artery in the petrous canal during the removal of an extradural or intradural lesion. 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 61611?

CPT 61611 is used to report the transection or ligation of the carotid artery in the petrous canal during the removal of an extradural or intradural lesion. This code should be used in addition to the primary procedure codes 61605 to 61608. It is important to note that CPT 61611 does not include the repair of the carotid artery.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 61611 is: ‘Transection or ligation, carotid artery in petrous canal; without repair (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ It is important to remember that only one transection or ligation of the carotid artery code should be reported per operative session.

3. Procedure

1. The physician performs cross sectioning of the carotid artery through transverse dissection in the petrous portion of the temporal bone.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 61611 is performed during the removal of an extradural or intradural lesion. It is important to note that this procedure does not include the repair of the carotid artery. The physician must ensure that the transection or ligation of the carotid artery is necessary and appropriate for the specific case.

5. When to use CPT code 61611

CPT code 61611 should be used when the transection or ligation of the carotid artery in the petrous canal is performed during the removal of an extradural or intradural lesion. It is important to report this code in addition to the primary procedure codes 61605 to 61608.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 61611, the physician must document the following information:

• Indication for the transection or ligation of the carotid artery
• Details of the primary procedure performed
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information or complications
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 61611, ensure that the transection or ligation of the carotid artery is performed during the removal of an extradural or intradural lesion. Report this code in addition to the primary procedure codes 61605 to 61608. It is important to note that only one transection or ligation of the carotid artery code should be reported per operative session.

8. Historical information

CPT 61611 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. It has not undergone any updates since its addition. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A physician performing the transection of the carotid artery in the petrous canal during the removal of an extradural lesion.
2. A surgeon ligating the carotid artery in the petrous canal while removing an intradural lesion.
3. A neurosurgeon performing the transection of the carotid artery in the petrous canal during the removal of an extradural lesion with bypass.
4. A physician ligating the carotid artery in the petrous canal during the removal of an intradural lesion with graft.
5. A surgeon performing the transection of the carotid artery in the petrous canal during the removal of an extradural lesion with bypass and graft.
6. A neurosurgeon ligating the carotid artery in the petrous canal during the removal of an intradural lesion with bypass and graft, using an intracranial approach.
7. A physician performing the transection of the carotid artery in the petrous canal during the removal of an extradural lesion, without repair.
8. A surgeon ligating the carotid artery in the petrous canal while removing an intradural lesion, without repair.
9. A neurosurgeon performing the transection of the carotid artery in the petrous canal during the removal of an extradural lesion with bypass, without repair.
10. A physician ligating the carotid artery in the petrous canal during the removal of an intradural lesion with graft, without repair.