How To Use CPT Code 62192

CPT 62192 describes the insertion of a shunt by a healthcare provider to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with fluid buildup under the arachnoid or dural membrane covering 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 62192?

CPT 62192 is used to describe the insertion of a shunt by a healthcare provider to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with fluid buildup under the arachnoid or dural membrane covering the brain. This procedure is performed to treat hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by an obstruction in the flow of CSF, which leads to increased pressure on the brain.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 62192 is: ‘Creation of shunt; subarachnoid/subdural-peritoneal, -pleural, other terminus.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the scalp to access the fluid collection in the subarachnoid or subdural space.
3. A burr hole is created in the skull to allow access to the fluid collection.
4. The shunt is inserted into the space and subcutaneously tunneled towards the drain site.
5. A venous catheter is placed to maneuver the shunt to the abdominal or pleural cavity, or another area where CSF can flow and be absorbed.
6. The provider ensures that the catheter effectively drains the excess fluid.
7. The brain membranes are sutured, and the surgical wounds are closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 62192 is performed on patients with fluid buildup under the arachnoid or dural membrane covering the brain, typically due to hydrocephalus. The procedure involves the insertion of a shunt to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid. The patient must have a documented diagnosis of hydrocephalus or a similar condition that requires the use of a shunt. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider.

5. When to use CPT code 62192

CPT code 62192 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the insertion of a shunt to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid in patients with fluid buildup under the arachnoid or dural membrane covering the brain. This code is specific to the creation of a shunt and should not be used for other procedures or interventions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 62192, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of hydrocephalus or similar condition
• Details of the procedure, including the specific shunt used and the drain site
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 62192, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to accurately document the procedure and provide the necessary supporting documentation. CPT code 62192 should not be reported with other codes unless additional procedures or interventions are performed during the same session.

8. Historical information

CPT code 62192 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has undergone no updates or changes since its addition. However, it is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions to the code in future editions of the CPT manual.

9. Examples

1. A neurosurgeon inserts a shunt to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid in a patient with hydrocephalus.
2. A pediatric neurologist performs the creation of a shunt to alleviate fluid buildup in the subarachnoid space of a child with congenital hydrocephalus.
3. An adult patient with subdural fluid collection undergoes the insertion of a shunt by a neurosurgeon to relieve pressure on the brain.
4. A neurosurgeon performs the creation of a shunt to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid into the pleural cavity in a patient with acquired hydrocephalus.
5. A patient with a history of multiple shunt revisions undergoes the insertion of a new shunt by a neurosurgeon to manage recurrent hydrocephalus.
6. A neurosurgeon performs the creation of a shunt to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid into the abdominal cavity in a patient with normal pressure hydrocephalus.
7. A patient with a shunt malfunction undergoes the revision of the shunt by a neurosurgeon to restore proper drainage of cerebrospinal fluid.
8. A neurosurgeon inserts a shunt to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid in a patient with pseudotumor cerebri.
9. An elderly patient with idiopathic hydrocephalus undergoes the creation of a shunt by a neurosurgeon to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
10. A patient with a history of traumatic brain injury undergoes the insertion of a shunt by a neurosurgeon to manage post-traumatic hydrocephalus.