How To Use CPT Code 61736

CPT 61736 describes the procedure of laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for a simple brain lesion using a single trajectory, with the guidance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 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 61736?

CPT 61736 can be used to describe the laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) procedure performed by a healthcare provider for a simple brain lesion. This procedure involves using a laser to heat and damage the tissue of the brain lesion. The provider may use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance during the procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 61736 is: ‘Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) of lesion, intracranial, including burr hole(s), with magnetic resonance imaging guidance, when performed; single trajectory for 1 simple lesion.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the procedure, ensuring they are appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes a small incision in the scalp and drills a hole through the skull to access the brain lesion.
3. A thin laser fiber is guided by the provider to the lesion, taking care to protect healthy brain tissue.
4. The provider may use real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for guidance during the procedure.
5. The laser transmits energy that heats the tissue around the tip of the laser fiber, causing irreversible damage to the unhealthy brain tissue.
6. Live MRI mapping monitors the temperatures in the treatment area.
7. Once the procedure is complete, the provider removes the laser fiber and closes the incision.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 61736 is used for the treatment of a simple brain lesion that requires a single trajectory. It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 20660, 61737, 61781, 70551, 70552, 70553, 70557, 70558, 70559, 77021, or 77022.

5. When to use CPT code 61736

CPT code 61736 should be used when a healthcare provider performs laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for a simple brain lesion using a single trajectory. It is important to ensure that the procedure includes the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 61736, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT)
• Details of the procedure, including the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information or complications
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 61736, ensure that the procedure meets the requirements of a simple brain lesion treated with laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) using a single trajectory. It is important to note that this code should not be reported with certain other codes, as mentioned earlier. Review the specific billing guidelines and requirements of the payer to ensure accurate reporting.

8. Historical information

CPT 61736 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2022. As of now, there have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for a simple brain lesion using a single trajectory, with the guidance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
2. A patient undergoes laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for a brain tumor using a single trajectory, with the assistance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
3. A healthcare provider treats a patient with epilepsy by performing laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for a simple brain lesion using a single trajectory, with the guidance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
4. A brain lesion is treated with laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) using a single trajectory, with the assistance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to alleviate symptoms in a patient with Parkinson’s disease.
5. A healthcare provider performs laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for a simple brain lesion using a single trajectory, with the guidance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to treat a patient with a cavernous malformation.
6. A patient with a brain tumor undergoes laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) using a single trajectory, with the assistance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to remove the tumor.
7. A healthcare provider treats a patient with a brain lesion using laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) with a single trajectory, guided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to improve symptoms in a patient with multiple sclerosis.
8. Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is performed for a simple brain lesion using a single trajectory, with the assistance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to treat a patient with a glioma.
9. A healthcare provider performs laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for a simple brain lesion using a single trajectory, with the guidance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to alleviate symptoms in a patient with trigeminal neuralgia.
10. A patient with a brain lesion undergoes laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) using a single trajectory, with the assistance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to treat a recurrent tumor.