How To Use CPT Code 62162

CPT 62162 describes a neuroendoscopy procedure that involves the removal or creation of an opening to drain a colloid cyst in the brain. 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 62162?

CPT 62162 is used to describe a neuroendoscopy procedure in which a small endoscope is used to access the brain and remove or fenestrate a colloid cyst. This procedure may also involve the placement of an external ventricular catheter for drainage. It is typically performed by a healthcare provider who specializes in neurosurgery or neurology.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 62162 is: ‘Neuroendoscopy, intracranial; with fenestration or excision of colloid cyst, including placement of external ventricular catheter for drainage.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. A small incision is made in the scalp over the ventricular system where the colloid cyst is located.
3. A burr hole is created in the skull to access the ventricular system.
4. A trocar is introduced through the burr hole and into the ventricular system.
5. The neuroendoscope is passed through the trocar into the brain to provide illumination and magnification.
6. The provider uses microsurgical techniques and direct visualization through the neuroendoscope to fenestrate or excise the colloid cyst.
7. A small cutting, suction catheter is inserted through the neuroendoscope to evacuate the cystic contents.
8. After removing the catheter, other instruments may be used to remove the remaining portion of the cyst.
9. The surgical site is irrigated and inspected to ensure proper cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow.
10. An external ventricular catheter is placed to facilitate drainage.
11. The catheter is tunneled under the skin and connected to an external collection bag.
12. The scalp wounds are sutured and covered with sterile dressings.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 62162 is typically performed on patients with colloid cysts in the brain that require fenestration or excision. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider who specializes in neurosurgery or neurology. The patient must meet the necessary criteria for the procedure, which may include diagnostic imaging and clinical evaluation.

5. When to use CPT code 62162

CPT code 62162 should be used when a neuroendoscopy procedure is performed to fenestrate or excise a colloid cyst in the brain. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. If the procedure does not involve fenestration or excision of a colloid cyst, a different code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 62162, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the neuroendoscopy procedure
• Details of the procedure performed, including fenestration or excision of the colloid cyst
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or interventions performed
• Complications, if any
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 62162, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. The procedure should be performed by a healthcare provider who specializes in neurosurgery or neurology. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines or requirements set forth by the payer or insurance company.

8. Historical information

CPT 62162 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2003. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A neurosurgeon performing a neuroendoscopy procedure to fenestrate a colloid cyst in the brain.
2. A neurologist using a neuroendoscope to excise a colloid cyst in the ventricular system.
3. A healthcare provider performing a neuroendoscopy procedure to create an opening for drainage of a colloid cyst.
4. A neurosurgeon using a neuroendoscope to remove a colloid cyst and place an external ventricular catheter for drainage.
5. A neurologist performing a neuroendoscopy procedure to fenestrate a colloid cyst and place a ventricular catheter for drainage.
6. A healthcare provider using a neuroendoscope to excise a colloid cyst and place an external ventricular catheter for drainage.
7. A neurosurgeon performing a neuroendoscopy procedure to fenestrate a colloid cyst and place a ventricular catheter for drainage.