How To Use CPT Code 62145

CPT 62145 describes the surgical procedure for cranioplasty, which involves repairing a skull defect along with reparative brain surgery. 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 62145?

CPT 62145 is used to describe a surgical procedure that involves the repair of a skull defect along with reparative brain surgery. This code is used when a provider performs an incision in the patient’s scalp above the target area, raises a bone flap to examine the brain and the surrounding tough membrane called the dura, repairs any tissue defects, corrects the bone defect by shaping and fixing the bone in the proper position, and closes the wound.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 62145 is: ‘Cranioplasty for skull defect with reparative brain surgery.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes an incision in the patient’s scalp above the target area.
3. A bone flap is raised to examine the brain and the surrounding dura.
4. Tissue defects are repaired.
5. The bone defect is corrected by shaping and fixing the bone in the proper position.
6. The wound is closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 62145 is performed when there is a skull defect that requires repair along with reparative brain surgery. This procedure is typically performed by a provider who is skilled in neurosurgery or craniofacial surgery. It is important to note that CPT 62145 requires reparative brain surgery, and if the cranioplasty is performed without brain repair, other codes such as CPT 62140 or CPT 62141 should be used instead.

5. When to use CPT code 62145

CPT code 62145 should be used when a provider performs a cranioplasty for a skull defect and also performs reparative brain surgery during the same session. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 62145, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for cranioplasty with reparative brain surgery
• Details of the procedure performed, including the specific techniques used
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 62145, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to accurately document and code the procedure to ensure proper reimbursement. Additionally, consider any applicable bundling or unbundling rules and modifiers that may be required for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 62145 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 neurosurgeon performs a cranioplasty with reparative brain surgery to repair a skull defect caused by trauma.
2. A craniofacial surgeon corrects a skull defect and performs reparative brain surgery in a patient with a congenital craniofacial anomaly.
3. A provider performs a cranioplasty with reparative brain surgery to repair a skull defect resulting from a previous surgical procedure.
4. A patient undergoes a cranioplasty with reparative brain surgery to correct a skull defect caused by a tumor resection.
5. A provider performs a cranioplasty with reparative brain surgery to repair a skull defect resulting from an infection.
6. A neurosurgeon performs a cranioplasty with reparative brain surgery to correct a skull defect caused by a cerebrovascular accident.
7. A craniofacial surgeon performs a cranioplasty with reparative brain surgery to repair a skull defect in a pediatric patient with craniosynostosis.
8. A provider performs a cranioplasty with reparative brain surgery to correct a skull defect resulting from a gunshot wound.
9. A patient undergoes a cranioplasty with reparative brain surgery to repair a skull defect caused by a fall.
10. A neurosurgeon performs a cranioplasty with reparative brain surgery to correct a skull defect resulting from a congenital malformation.