How To Use CPT Code 61705

CPT 61705 describes the surgical procedure for the treatment of aneurysms, vascular malformations, or carotid-cavernous fistulas. 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 61705?

CPT 61705 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure performed to treat aneurysms, vascular malformations, or carotid-cavernous fistulas. This procedure involves the occlusion, or blocking, of the carotid artery at the intracranial and cervical levels. By stopping the blood flow to the affected area, the surgeon aims to treat the conditions caused by trauma, surgical damage, or the rupture of an aneurysm.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 61705 is: ‘Surgery of aneurysm, vascular malformation or carotid-cavernous fistula; by intracranial and cervical occlusion of carotid artery.’

3. Procedure

1. The surgeon begins by performing a craniotomy, which involves removing a portion of the skull bone.
2. Next, the surgeon locates the carotid artery in the cervical spine and places surgical clips on it to block the blood flow.
3. Using a surgical drill, the surgeon creates burr holes in the skull and removes a bone flap to expose the dura, the protective layer covering the brain.
4. The surgeon then incises the dura and carefully spreads the brain tissue apart to identify the neck of the defect.
5. Before ligating the defect, the surgeon places a small, hinged surgical clip across the neck of the vessel in the brain to stop blood flow into the defect.
6. The surgeon checks the placement of the cerebral clip, monitors for bleeding, and ensures hemostasis.
7. Finally, the surgeon closes the dura, replaces and secures the bone flap, and closes the scalp.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 61705 is performed on patients with aneurysms, vascular malformations, or carotid-cavernous fistulas. These conditions may be caused by trauma, surgical damage, or the rupture of an aneurysm. The procedure is performed by a surgeon and involves the occlusion of the carotid artery at the intracranial and cervical levels.

5. When to use CPT code 61705

CPT code 61705 should be used when a surgical procedure is performed to treat aneurysms, vascular malformations, or carotid-cavernous fistulas by occluding the carotid artery at the intracranial and cervical levels. This code should not be used for other procedures or conditions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 61705, the surgeon must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of aneurysm, vascular malformation, or carotid-cavernous fistula
• Description of the surgical procedure performed
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical technique used, including the occlusion of the carotid artery at the intracranial and cervical levels
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the surgeon

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 61705, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria described in the official description. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure and any associated complications or additional procedures performed. CPT code 61705 should not be reported with other codes unless specifically indicated.

8. Historical information

CPT code 61705 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs CPT 61705 to treat an aneurysm in a patient’s brain.
2. During a surgical procedure, a surgeon uses CPT 61705 to occlude the carotid artery to treat a vascular malformation.
3. A patient with a carotid-cavernous fistula undergoes CPT 61705 to block the blood flow in the affected area.
4. A surgeon performs CPT 61705 to treat an aneurysm caused by trauma in a patient’s brain.
5. Using CPT 61705, a surgeon stops the blood flow to a vascular malformation in a patient’s brain.
6. A patient with a carotid-cavernous fistula undergoes CPT 61705 to alleviate the symptoms and prevent further complications.
7. A surgeon performs CPT 61705 to treat an aneurysm that has ruptured in a patient’s brain.
8. Using CPT 61705, a surgeon blocks the blood flow to a vascular malformation that is causing symptoms in a patient’s brain.
9. A patient with a carotid-cavernous fistula undergoes CPT 61705 to repair the abnormal connection and restore normal blood flow.
10. A surgeon performs CPT 61705 to treat an aneurysm that is causing neurological symptoms in a patient’s brain.