How To Use CPT Code 62194

CPT 62194 describes the replacement or irrigation of a subarachnoid/subdural catheter in a patient with a failed or malfunctioning cerebrospinal fluid shunt. 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 62194?

CPT 62194 can be used to describe the procedure in which a healthcare provider replaces or flushes a catheter that begins in the subarachnoid or subdural space under the brain’s protective membranes. This code is used when the patient has a failed or malfunctioning cerebrospinal fluid shunt and requires intervention to restore proper function.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 62194 is: ‘Replacement or irrigation, subarachnoid/subdural catheter.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the scalp, allowing access to the site.
3. Through the skull, the provider reaches the dura, the tough outer membrane surrounding the brain.
4. An incision is made to reach the previously placed catheter.
5. The provider either irrigates the catheter by instilling fluid or replaces the catheter to ensure proper function.
6. The surgical wounds are closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 62194 are those with a failed or malfunctioning cerebrospinal fluid shunt. The procedure involves the replacement or irrigation of a subarachnoid/subdural catheter. The patient must be appropriately prepped and anesthetized, and the provider must access the dura to reach the catheter. This code is specific to the subarachnoid/subdural space under the brain’s protective membranes.

5. When to use CPT code 62194

CPT code 62194 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the replacement or irrigation of a subarachnoid/subdural catheter in a patient with a failed or malfunctioning cerebrospinal fluid shunt. It is important to accurately document the procedure and ensure that it meets the criteria outlined in the official description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 62194, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a failed or malfunctioning cerebrospinal fluid shunt
• Details of the procedure, including the replacement or irrigation of the subarachnoid/subdural catheter
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as the specific technique used or any complications encountered
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 62194, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description. It is important to accurately document the procedure and provide any necessary supporting documentation. Consider any additional guidelines or requirements from the payer when submitting the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 62194 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 with a failed cerebrospinal fluid shunt undergoes a replacement procedure for the subarachnoid catheter.
2. A healthcare provider performs an irrigation of the subdural catheter in a patient with a malfunctioning cerebrospinal fluid shunt.
3. During a surgical procedure, a subarachnoid catheter is replaced in a patient with a failed cerebrospinal fluid shunt.
4. A healthcare provider performs an irrigation of the subdural catheter in a patient with a malfunctioning cerebrospinal fluid shunt.
5. A patient with a failed cerebrospinal fluid shunt undergoes a replacement procedure for the subarachnoid catheter.
6. During a surgical procedure, a subarachnoid catheter is replaced in a patient with a failed cerebrospinal fluid shunt.
7. A healthcare provider performs an irrigation of the subdural catheter in a patient with a malfunctioning cerebrospinal fluid shunt.
8. A patient with a failed cerebrospinal fluid shunt undergoes a replacement procedure for the subarachnoid catheter.
9. During a surgical procedure, a subarachnoid catheter is replaced in a patient with a failed cerebrospinal fluid shunt.
10. A healthcare provider performs an irrigation of the subdural catheter in a patient with a malfunctioning cerebrospinal fluid shunt.