How To Use CPT Code 61624

CPT 61624 describes the procedure of transcatheter permanent occlusion or embolization for the central nervous system. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 61624?

CPT 61624 can be used to describe the procedure of transcatheter permanent occlusion or embolization for the central nervous system. This code is used when a provider percutaneously occludes a central nervous system artery to treat a vascular malformation, destroy a tumor, or stop blood flow.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 61624 is: ‘Transcatheter permanent occlusion or embolization (eg, for tumor destruction, to achieve hemostasis, to occlude a vascular malformation), percutaneous, any method; central nervous system (intracranial, spinal cord).’ This code is not applicable for non-central nervous system and non-head or neck embolization, which have separate codes (37241 – 37244). For radiological supervision and interpretation during the procedure, use code 75894.

3. Procedure

1. When performing CPT 61624, the provider begins by appropriately prepping and anesthetizing the patient.
2. A guide wire is then placed at the site of the defect in the central nervous system artery.
3. Using the guide wire, the provider advances an angiography catheter to perform angiography, which involves imaging of the blood vessels after the introduction of dye.
4. After angiography, the provider removes the angiography catheter and reinserts the guide wire.
5. The provider then advances the embolization or occlusion catheter through the guide wire under fluoroscopic guidance.
6. Finally, the provider injects an embolizing medium through the catheter to stop blood flow and achieve the desired occlusion or embolization.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 61624 is applicable when a provider performs transcatheter permanent occlusion or embolization for the central nervous system. This procedure is typically used to treat vascular malformations, destroy tumors, or achieve hemostasis. It is important to note that this code is specific to the central nervous system (intracranial, spinal cord) and should not be used for other areas of the body.

5. When to use CPT code 61624

CPT code 61624 should be used when a provider performs transcatheter permanent occlusion or embolization for the central nervous system. It is important to ensure that the procedure is being performed on the central nervous system and not on other areas of the body. If the procedure involves the head and neck, a different code (61626) should be used. Additionally, if radiological supervision and interpretation are involved, code 75894 should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 61624, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for transcatheter permanent occlusion or embolization
• Specific details of the procedure performed, including the site of the defect in the central nervous system artery
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Use of any additional equipment or substances, such as guide wires, angiography catheters, and embolizing medium
• Fluoroscopic guidance used during the procedure
• Any complications or adverse events that occurred during or after the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 61624, it is important to ensure that the procedure is performed on the central nervous system and not on other areas of the body. If the procedure involves the head and neck, a different code (61626) should be used. If radiological supervision and interpretation are involved, code 75894 should be used. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by insurance payers or regulatory authorities.

8. Historical information

CPT 61624 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1992. Since its addition, there have been several historical changes, including code changes and Medicare changes. The most recent Medicare change occurred in 2021 when the code was removed from the Inpatient Only (IPO) list but was added back in 2022.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs transcatheter permanent occlusion to treat a vascular malformation in the spinal cord.
2. During the procedure, a provider embolizes a central nervous system artery to destroy a tumor.
3. A patient undergoes transcatheter permanent occlusion to achieve hemostasis in an intracranial blood vessel.
4. A provider performs transcatheter embolization to stop blood flow in a central nervous system artery.
5. A patient undergoes transcatheter permanent occlusion to treat a vascular malformation in the brain.
6. Provide four more examples of cases in which CPT code 61624 should be billed. Only explain the examples and make them all original. Do not include ‘CPT 61624” or ‘CPT code 61624” in the text of an example.