How To Use CPT Code 61710

CPT 61710 describes the surgical procedure used to treat an aneurysm, vascular malformation, or carotid-cavernous fistula. 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 61710?

CPT 61710 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a portion of the skull bone to access and treat an aneurysm, vascular malformation, or carotid-cavernous fistula. During the procedure, the healthcare provider embolizes the malformation by deliberately occluding its blood supply.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 61710 is: ‘Surgery of aneurysm, vascular malformation or carotid-cavernous fistula; by intra-arterial embolization, injection procedure, or balloon catheter.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the procedure, ensuring they are appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. An incision is made in the scalp to access the affected area of the skull.
3. A portion of the skull bone is removed to expose the aneurysm, vascular malformation, or carotid-cavernous fistula.
4. The healthcare provider embolizes the malformation by deliberately occluding its blood supply using a small plastic particle, glue, metal coil, or balloon.
5. Excess fluid or blood is drained, and the layers of dural tissue are sutured together.
6. The bone flap is reattached to its original position using plates, wires, or sutures.
7. The wound is covered with a sterile dressing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 61710 is used when a patient requires surgery to treat an aneurysm, vascular malformation, or carotid-cavernous fistula. These conditions involve abnormalities in blood vessels and may pose a risk to the patient’s health. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider who is trained and qualified to perform intra-arterial embolization, injection procedures, or balloon catheterization.

5. When to use CPT code 61710

CPT code 61710 should be used when a healthcare provider performs surgery to treat an aneurysm, vascular malformation, or carotid-cavernous fistula using intra-arterial embolization, injection procedures, or balloon catheterization. It is important to accurately document the procedure and ensure that it meets the criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 61710, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis indicating the presence of an aneurysm, vascular malformation, or carotid-cavernous fistula
• Details of the surgical procedure performed, including the specific techniques used
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end times of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 61710, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the code description. The healthcare provider should be qualified and trained to perform the specific techniques involved in the procedure. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines provided by insurance companies or payers. CPT code 61710 should not be reported with other codes unless they are performed in the previous seven days.

8. Historical information

CPT code 61710 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 healthcare provider performs surgery on a patient with an aneurysm using intra-arterial embolization.
2. A patient with a vascular malformation undergoes surgery, during which the healthcare provider uses injection procedures to treat the condition.
3. A healthcare provider performs surgery on a patient with a carotid-cavernous fistula using a balloon catheter.
4. A patient with an aneurysm undergoes surgery, during which the healthcare provider performs intra-arterial embolization to occlude the blood supply to the lesion.
5. A healthcare provider performs surgery on a patient with a vascular malformation, using injection procedures to treat the abnormal blood vessel.
6. A patient with a carotid-cavernous fistula undergoes surgery, during which the healthcare provider uses a balloon catheter to occlude the abnormal connection between the cavernous sinus and carotid artery.
7. A healthcare provider performs surgery on a patient with an aneurysm using intra-arterial embolization, effectively occluding the bulging blood vessel.
8. A patient with a vascular malformation undergoes surgery, during which the healthcare provider uses injection procedures to occlude the abnormal blood vessel.
9. A healthcare provider performs surgery on a patient with a carotid-cavernous fistula using a balloon catheter, effectively closing the abnormal connection between the cavernous sinus and carotid artery.
10. A patient with an aneurysm undergoes surgery, during which the healthcare provider performs intra-arterial embolization to treat the weakened blood vessel.