How To Use CPT Code 61708

CPT 61708 describes the surgical procedure for the treatment of aneurysms, vascular malformations, or carotid-cavernous fistulas using intracranial electrothrombosis. 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 61708?

CPT 61708 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure performed to treat aneurysms, vascular malformations, or carotid-cavernous fistulas. In this procedure, a qualified healthcare provider removes a portion of the skull bone to access the affected area and uses electric current to completely destroy the abnormal malformation. This code is specific to the use of intracranial electrothrombosis for the treatment.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 61708 is: ‘Surgery of aneurysm, vascular malformation or carotid-cavernous fistula; by intracranial electrothrombosis.’ This code is used when the provider performs a surgical procedure to treat an aneurysm, vascular malformation, or carotid-cavernous fistula using intracranial electrothrombosis. It is important to note that ligation or gradual occlusion of the internal/common carotid artery should be reported using different codes.

3. Procedure

1. The qualified healthcare provider prepares the patient for the procedure, ensuring appropriate prepping and anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the scalp to access the affected area, and a portion of the skull bone is removed.
3. The provider uses electric current to completely destroy the aneurysm, vascular malformation, or carotid-cavernous fistula.
4. Excess fluid or blood is drained using a drain, and the layers of dural tissue are sutured together.
5. The bone flap is reattached to its original position using plates, wires, or sutures.
6. The wound is covered with a sterile dressing to promote healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 61708 is used for patients who require surgical treatment for aneurysms, vascular malformations, or carotid-cavernous fistulas. These conditions involve abnormalities in blood vessels, such as bulges in vessel walls (aneurysms) or abnormal connections between veins and arteries (carotid-cavernous fistulas). The procedure should be performed by a qualified healthcare provider who is experienced in intracranial electrothrombosis.

5. When to use CPT code 61708

CPT code 61708 should be used when a qualified healthcare provider performs a surgical procedure using intracranial electrothrombosis to treat an aneurysm, vascular malformation, or carotid-cavernous fistula. It is important to note that this code should not be used for procedures involving the ligation or gradual occlusion of the internal/common carotid artery, as there are separate codes for those procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 61708, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis indicating the presence of an aneurysm, vascular malformation, or carotid-cavernous fistula
• Description of the procedure performed, including the use of intracranial electrothrombosis
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical technique used
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the qualified healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 61708, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider and involves the use of intracranial electrothrombosis. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and not to report it with codes for ligation or gradual occlusion of the internal/common carotid artery. Additional tips for accurate billing can be obtained from the relevant coding guidelines and payer policies.

8. Historical information

CPT code 61708 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has not undergone any updates since its addition. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare reimbursement purposes.

9. Examples

1. A qualified healthcare provider performs a surgical procedure using intracranial electrothrombosis to treat an aneurysm in a patient’s brain.
2. An individual with a carotid-cavernous fistula undergoes a surgical procedure involving intracranial electrothrombosis to correct the abnormal connection between the cavernous sinus and carotid artery.
3. A patient with a vascular malformation in the brain receives surgical treatment using intracranial electrothrombosis to eliminate the abnormality.
4. A qualified healthcare provider performs a surgical procedure using intracranial electrothrombosis to treat an aneurysm in the skull of a patient.
5. An individual with a carotid-cavernous fistula undergoes a surgical procedure involving intracranial electrothrombosis to repair the abnormal connection between the cavernous sinus and carotid artery.