How To Use CPT Code 61702

CPT 61702 describes the surgical treatment of a simple intracranial aneurysm using intracranial techniques to repair the abnormal dilation of a blood vessel in the vertebrobasilar circulation. 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 61702?

CPT 61702 can be used to describe the surgical treatment of a simple intracranial aneurysm in the vertebrobasilar circulation. This code is used when the provider performs an intracranial approach to repair the aneurysm and exclude it from the blood flow in the vertebrobasilar circulation.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 61702 is: ‘Surgery of simple intracranial aneurysm, intracranial approach; vertebrobasilar circulation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs an angiogram to identify the location of the aneurysm.
2. Using an intracranial approach, the provider makes an incision in the scalp over the area of the aneurysm.
3. The provider creates burr holes in the skull using a surgical drill and removes a bone flap to expose the dura, the protective layer covering the brain.
4. The provider carefully dissects down to expose the aneurysm, identifying the neck of the aneurysm.
5. The provider clips the neck of the aneurysm, excluding adjacent vessels, and verifies the clip placement.
6. The provider obtains hemostasis and closes the dura, replaces and secures the bone flap, and closes the scalp.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 61702 is used for the surgical treatment of a simple intracranial aneurysm in the vertebrobasilar circulation. The aneurysm should be small, 15 mm or less, and located in areas of the brain that are easily accessible. The procedure should not require extra effort to control bleeding or prevent further damage to the blood vessels. The goal of the procedure is to exclude the aneurysm from the vertebrobasilar circulation while preserving blood flow, with minimal brain dissection and retraction.

5. When to use CPT code 61702

CPT code 61702 should be used when the provider performs surgery to treat a simple intracranial aneurysm in the vertebrobasilar circulation using an intracranial approach. This code should not be used for complex aneurysm repairs or procedures performed on aneurysms in other areas of the brain.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 61702, the provider must document the following information:

• Diagnosis of a simple intracranial aneurysm
• Angiogram results showing the location of the aneurysm
• Description of the surgical approach used
• Details of the procedure, including the steps performed and any additional efforts required
• Verification of clip placement and hemostasis
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 61702, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for a simple intracranial aneurysm repair in the vertebrobasilar circulation. If the aneurysm repair is complex or requires additional efforts, append modifier 22 to the code for additional reimbursement. Make sure to provide clear documentation and a cover letter explaining the additional work performed. Check individual payer guidelines for specific requirements.

8. Historical information

CPT 61702 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has undergone changes in its description and has been added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare reimbursement in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs surgery to repair a simple intracranial aneurysm in the vertebrobasilar circulation using an intracranial approach.
2. A patient with a small intracranial aneurysm in the vertebrobasilar circulation undergoes surgery to exclude the aneurysm from the blood flow.
3. A provider uses an intracranial approach to repair a simple aneurysm in the vertebrobasilar circulation, preserving blood flow with minimal brain dissection.
4. A surgical team performs a procedure to treat a simple intracranial aneurysm in the vertebrobasilar circulation, ensuring clip placement and hemostasis.
5. A patient undergoes surgery for a small intracranial aneurysm in the vertebrobasilar circulation, with the provider using an intracranial approach to exclude the aneurysm from the blood flow.
6. A provider performs an intracranial procedure to repair a simple aneurysm in the vertebrobasilar circulation, verifying clip placement and achieving hemostasis.
7. A surgical team uses an intracranial approach to treat a patient with a small intracranial aneurysm in the vertebrobasilar circulation, preserving blood flow and minimizing brain dissection.
8. A patient undergoes surgery for a simple intracranial aneurysm in the vertebrobasilar circulation, with the provider performing an intracranial approach and ensuring clip placement.