How To Use CPT Code 62117

CPT 62117 describes the procedure for the reduction of craniomegalic skull, which involves the removal or reduction of a portion of the skull bone and the reshaping of the enlarged skull. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 62117?

CPT 62117 is used to describe the procedure for the reduction of craniomegalic skull. In this procedure, a qualified healthcare provider removes or reduces a portion of the skull bone and reshapes the craniomegalic, or enlarged, skull. The provider may also repair the defect with a bone graft, which is a piece of bone used to replace a bone defect.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 62117 is: ‘Reduction of craniomegalic skull (eg, treated hydrocephalus); requiring craniotomy and reconstruction with or without bone graft (includes obtaining grafts).’ This code includes the procedure of craniotomy and reconstruction, with or without a bone graft.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the procedure, ensuring appropriate anesthesia and prepping the surgical site.
2. An incision is made in the scalp to gain access to the skull.
3. A burr hole is created in the skull to remove a large portion of the skull bone.
4. The provider then reshapes the cranium defect using a graft, such as bone from another part of the body.
5. The provider ensures symmetry of the skull and reshapes the cranium to its proper anatomical position.
6. The craniotomy is closed, and the layers of scalp tissue are sutured together.
7. A sterile dressing is applied to cover the wound.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 62117 is performed on patients with craniomegalic skull, such as those with treated hydrocephalus. The procedure requires a craniotomy and reconstruction, with or without a bone graft. The provider must assess the patient’s condition and determine the need for the reduction of the craniomegalic skull.

5. When to use CPT code 62117

CPT code 62117 should be used when a qualified healthcare provider performs the reduction of craniomegalic skull, requiring a craniotomy and reconstruction. This code should be used for each instance of the procedure performed on a patient. It is important to note that a separate code should not be reported for procuring a bone graft, as CPT 62117 includes this service.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 62117, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the reduction of craniomegalic skull
• Details of the procedure performed, including the use of a bone graft if applicable
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional details or complications encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 62117, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider and includes a craniotomy and reconstruction. It is important to note that CPT 62117 should not be reported with other codes for procuring a bone graft. Additional tips for reporting CPT 62117 can be found in the official coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT 62117 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1991. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A qualified healthcare provider performing the reduction of craniomegalic skull, requiring craniotomy and reconstruction, for a patient with treated hydrocephalus.
2. A neurosurgeon reshaping the cranium defect using a bone graft for a patient with an enlarged skull.
3. A craniofacial surgeon performing the reduction of craniomegalic skull, requiring craniotomy and reconstruction, with the addition of dural repair for a patient with a cranial defect.
4. A pediatric neurosurgeon performing the reduction of craniomegalic skull, requiring craniotomy and reconstruction, with the addition of dural repair and CSF shunt revision for a pediatric patient.
5. A plastic surgeon removing a cranial bone flap and replacing it with synthetic material for a patient with a cranial defect.
6. A reconstructive surgeon removing a cranial bone flap and replacing it with an autograft for a patient with a cranial defect.
7. A neurosurgeon performing the reduction of craniomegalic skull, requiring craniotomy and reconstruction, for a patient with an abnormal skull shape.
8. A craniofacial surgeon reshaping the cranium defect using a bone graft for a patient with craniosynostosis.
9. A pediatric neurosurgeon performing the reduction of craniomegalic skull, requiring craniotomy and reconstruction, with the addition of dural repair for a pediatric patient with a cranial defect.
10. A plastic surgeon removing a cranial bone flap and replacing it with bone cement for a patient with a cranial defect.