How To Use CPT Code 61703

CPT 61703 describes the surgical procedure for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms using a cervical approach and the application of an occluding clamp to the cervical carotid artery. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 61703?

CPT 61703 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure performed to treat intracranial aneurysms. The procedure involves accessing the aneurysm through a cervical approach, which includes making an incision in the neck and applying an occluding clamp to the cervical carotid artery. This procedure is specifically for the application of a Selverstone-Crutchfield type clamp. It is important to note that this code should not be used for direct ligation of the carotid artery, which has its own set of codes (37600 – 37606).

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 61703 is: ‘Surgery of intracranial aneurysm, cervical approach by application of occluding clamp to cervical carotid artery (Selverstone-Crutchfield type).’ This code was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It is worth mentioning that this procedure is listed under the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision in the neck to access the internal carotid artery.
2. Next, an incision is made in the scalp to remove a portion of the skull bone, allowing access to the aneurysm.
3. The provider then locates the blood vessel that feeds the aneurysm.
4. An occluding clamp, specifically of the Selverstone-Crutchfield type, is applied to the cervical carotid artery to temporarily block blood flow.
5. Tiny metal clips are placed around the base of the aneurysm to permanently stop blood flow to it.
6. The provider releases the internal carotid artery from the clamp and ensures bleeding is controlled at the aneurysm site.
7. Excess fluid or blood is drained using a drain, and the layers of dural tissue are sutured together.
8. The bone flap is reattached to its original position using plates, wires, or sutures, and the wound is covered with a sterile dressing.
9. The neck incision is sutured in layers to complete the procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 61703 is performed for patients with intracranial aneurysms that require surgical intervention. The procedure is specifically for cases where a cervical approach is used, and an occluding clamp of the Selverstone-Crutchfield type is applied to the cervical carotid artery. It is important to note that this code should not be used for direct ligation of the carotid artery.

5. When to use CPT code 61703

CPT code 61703 should be used when a provider performs a surgical procedure to treat an intracranial aneurysm using a cervical approach and applying an occluding clamp to the cervical carotid artery. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 61703, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of an intracranial aneurysm
• Details of the surgical procedure performed, including the cervical approach and application of the occluding clamp
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 61703, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. This code should not be reported for direct ligation of the carotid artery. It is also important to follow any additional billing guidelines provided by insurance payers or regulatory bodies.

8. Historical information

CPT 61703 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition. It is worth noting that this procedure is listed under the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A neurosurgeon performs CPT 61703 to treat an intracranial aneurysm using a cervical approach and applying an occluding clamp to the cervical carotid artery.
2. A patient with an intracranial aneurysm undergoes CPT 61703, where a surgeon accesses the aneurysm through a cervical approach and applies a Selverstone-Crutchfield type clamp to the cervical carotid artery.
3. A provider performs CPT 61703 to treat an intracranial aneurysm by applying an occluding clamp to the cervical carotid artery using a cervical approach.
4. A surgical team performs CPT 61703 to treat an intracranial aneurysm, utilizing a cervical approach and applying an occluding clamp to the cervical carotid artery.
5. A patient undergoes CPT 61703, where a provider accesses an intracranial aneurysm through a cervical approach and applies an occluding clamp to the cervical carotid artery to stop blood flow to the aneurysm.