How To Use CPT Code 61888

CPT 61888 describes the revision or removal of a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver. 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 61888?

CPT 61888 can be used to describe the procedure of revising or removing a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver. This code is used when the provider incises the skin over the pulse generator or receiver in a subcutaneous pocket and makes necessary adjustments or replacements. The procedure is typically performed when there is a failed battery or component malfunction, infection, or when the stimulation is ineffective for the patient.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 61888 is: ‘Revision or removal of cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the procedure and administers anesthesia.
2. She then makes an incision at the scar where the original placement operation was performed.
3. The existing generator is carefully excised from the subcutaneous pocket and adjusted or replaced as necessary.
4. The provider reconnects the generator to the previously placed electrode arrays.
5. She tests the unit to ensure its functionality.
6. If the tests are successful, the provider places the generator back into the pocket and secures it with sutures.
7. Finally, she closes the wound and skin with sutures or tissue adhesive.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 61888 is performed when there is a need to revise or remove a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver. This may be due to a failed battery or component malfunction, infection, or when the stimulation is ineffective for the patient. It is important to note that CPT 61888 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT codes 61885 or 61886 for the same pulse generator.

5. When to use CPT code 61888

CPT code 61888 should be used when there is a need to revise or remove a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed on a different generator if reporting codes 61885 or 61886 together with 61888. In such cases, modifier 59, Distinct Procedural Service, should be appended to either code 61885 or 61886 or code 61888 to indicate that the procedures were performed on two different generators. It is not appropriate to report 61888 when revising a single pulse generator.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 61888, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for revision or removal of the pulse generator or receiver
• Details of the procedure, including the incision site and any adjustments or replacements made
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Results of any tests conducted to ensure the functionality of the generator
• Details of the closure of the wound and skin
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 61888, ensure that the procedure involves the revision or removal of a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver. It is important to note that CPT 61888 should not be reported with codes 61885 or 61886 for the same pulse generator. Modifier 59 should be appended to indicate that the procedures were performed on two different generators, if applicable.

8. Historical information

CPT 61888 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a revision of a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator due to a failed battery.
2. A provider removes a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator that has become infected.
3. A patient’s cranial neurostimulator pulse generator is revised because the stimulation is ineffective for pain management.
4. A provider replaces a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator that has a component malfunction.
5. A patient undergoes the removal of a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator due to a failed battery and infection.
6. A provider revises a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator to improve the effectiveness of the stimulation for a patient.
7. A patient’s cranial neurostimulator pulse generator is removed due to an infection and replaced with a new one.
8. A provider performs a revision of a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator to address a component malfunction and improve its functionality.
9. A patient undergoes the removal of a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator due to a failed battery and the placement of a new one.
10. A provider revises a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator to adjust the stimulation settings for better pain management in a patient.