How To Use CPT Code 61711

CPT 61711 describes the surgical procedure of anastomosis, specifically connecting the arterial and extracranial-intracranial arteries, such as the middle cerebral and cortical arteries. 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 61711?

CPT 61711 can be used to describe the surgical procedure in which the provider connects the arterial and extracranial-intracranial arteries, specifically the middle cerebral and cortical arteries. This procedure is performed to treat blockage and rupture of vessels in the brain by bypassing the affected area and restoring blood flow to the brain.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 61711 is: ‘Anastomosis, arterial, extracranial-intracranial (eg, middle cerebral/cortical) arteries.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision in the scalp above the affected arteries and exposes the bone.
2. Using a surgical drill, the provider creates burr holes in the skull and cuts between adjacent burr holes to create a bone flap.
3. The bone flap is removed to expose the dura, the protective layer covering the brain.
4. The provider incises the dura and exposes the intracranial site for anastomosis.
5. The provider identifies the donor vessel and recipient artery suitable for bypass and dissects these arteries from the surrounding tissue.
6. Temporary clips are placed on the donor and recipient vessels.
7. The provider incises the donor vessel and prepares the end.
8. An opening is made in the side of the recipient artery, and the donor’s prepared end is sutured to the recipient artery.
9. Temporary clips are released, and the provider ensures there are no leaks and checks for good blood flow.
10. The provider achieves hemostasis, closes the dura, replaces and secures the bone flap.
11. Tissue layers are reapproximated, the scalp is closed, and sterile dressings are applied.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 61711 is performed on patients with blockage or rupture of the arterial vessels in the brain. The procedure involves connecting the arterial and extracranial-intracranial arteries, specifically the middle cerebral and cortical arteries. It is important to note that this procedure is not performed for carotid or vertebral thromboendarterectomy.

5. When to use CPT code 61711

CPT code 61711 should be used when the provider performs the surgical procedure of anastomosis, specifically connecting the arterial and extracranial-intracranial arteries, such as the middle cerebral and cortical arteries. It should not be used for carotid or vertebral thromboendarterectomy.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 61711, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the surgical procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the specific arteries involved
• Date of the procedure
• Incision and closure techniques
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 61711, ensure that the procedure involves the anastomosis of the arterial and extracranial-intracranial arteries, specifically the middle cerebral and cortical arteries. It should not be reported with carotid or vertebral thromboendarterectomy. Follow the appropriate coding guidelines and modifiers for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 61711 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs anastomosis of the middle cerebral and cortical arteries to bypass a blockage in a patient’s brain.
2. During a surgical procedure, the provider connects the arterial and extracranial-intracranial arteries to restore blood flow to the brain.
3. Anastomosis of the middle cerebral and cortical arteries is performed to treat a ruptured vessel in the brain.
4. The provider surgically connects the arterial and extracranial-intracranial arteries to bypass a blockage in a patient’s brain.
5. During a procedure, the provider performs anastomosis of the middle cerebral and cortical arteries to restore blood flow to the brain.
6. Anastomosis of the arterial and extracranial-intracranial arteries is performed to treat a patient with a ruptured vessel in the brain.
7. The provider connects the middle cerebral and cortical arteries to bypass a blockage in the brain.
8. During a surgical procedure, the provider performs anastomosis of the arterial and extracranial-intracranial arteries to restore blood flow to the brain.
9. Anastomosis of the middle cerebral and cortical arteries is performed to treat a patient with a ruptured vessel in the brain.
10. The provider surgically connects the arterial and extracranial-intracranial arteries to bypass a blockage in the brain.