How To Use CPT Code 61737

CPT 61737 describes the laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) procedure for the treatment of multiple or complex brain lesions. 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 61737?

CPT 61737 can be used to describe the laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) procedure performed by a healthcare provider. This procedure involves using a laser to heat and damage brain lesion tissue, with the guidance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is specifically used for the treatment of multiple or complex brain lesions that require multiple trajectories.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 61737 is: ‘Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) of lesion, intracranial, including burr hole(s), with magnetic resonance imaging guidance, when performed; multiple trajectories for multiple or complex lesion(s).’ It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with certain other codes, such as 20660, 61736, 61781, 70551, 70552, 70553, 70557, 70558, 70559, 77021, and 77022.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the LITT procedure, ensuring appropriate anesthesia and patient positioning.
2. A small incision is made in the scalp, and a burr hole is drilled through the skull to access the brain lesion(s).
3. The provider guides a thin laser fiber to the lesion(s), taking care to protect healthy brain tissue.
4. Real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to provide 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 to ensure optimal results.
7. If there are multiple or complex lesions, the provider repeats the steps using different trajectories to treat each lesion.
8. Once the treatment is complete, the laser fibers are removed, and the incisions are closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 61737 is used for patients who require laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for the treatment of multiple or complex brain lesions. The procedure is typically performed when other treatment options are not suitable or effective. It is important to note that this code should not be reported with certain other codes, as mentioned in the official description.

5. When to use CPT code 61737

CPT code 61737 should be used when a healthcare provider performs laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for the treatment of multiple or complex brain lesions. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description and that it is not reported with the excluded codes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 61737, 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 number of lesions and trajectories treated
• Date of the procedure
• Use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 61737, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description. It is important to follow the guidelines and not report this code with the excluded codes. Additionally, consider any specific billing requirements from insurance providers or payers.

8. Historical information

CPT code 61737 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2022. It is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions to the code in order to accurately report and bill for the procedure.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for the treatment of multiple brain lesions in a patient with epilepsy.
2. A neurosurgeon uses CPT code 61737 to report the laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) procedure for the treatment of complex brain lesions in a patient with a brain tumor.
3. A radiologist performs laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for the treatment of multiple brain lesions in a patient with metastatic cancer.
4. A neurologist utilizes CPT code 61737 to report the laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) procedure for the treatment of complex brain lesions in a patient with refractory seizures.
5. A neurosurgeon performs laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for the treatment of multiple brain lesions in a patient with a vascular malformation.
6. A healthcare provider uses CPT code 61737 to report the laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) procedure for the treatment of complex brain lesions in a patient with a genetic disorder.
7. A radiologist performs laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for the treatment of multiple brain lesions in a patient with a history of traumatic brain injury.
8. A neurologist utilizes CPT code 61737 to report the laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) procedure for the treatment of complex brain lesions in a patient with a neurodegenerative disorder.