How To Use CPT Code 62350

CPT 62350 describes the procedure for the implantation, revision, or repositioning of a tunneled intrathecal or epidural catheter for long-term medication administration via an external pump or implantable reservoir/infusion pump, without laminectomy. 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 62350?

CPT 62350 can be used to describe the procedure of implanting, revising, or repositioning a tunneled intrathecal or epidural catheter for long-term medication administration. This code specifically applies to cases where the procedure does not involve a laminectomy. The purpose of this procedure is to deliver medication into the cerebrospinal fluid using an external pump or an implantable reservoir/infusion pump. It is commonly used to manage severe pain, postoperative pain, pain from diseases like cancer, and other medical conditions such as spasticity.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 62350 is: ‘Implantation, revision or repositioning of tunneled intrathecal or epidural catheter, for long-term medication administration via an external pump or implantable reservoir/infusion pump; without laminectomy.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider assesses the patient’s condition and determines the need for the implantation, revision, or repositioning of a tunneled intrathecal or epidural catheter.
2. A catheter is selected or adjusted based on the patient’s specific needs and condition.
3. The healthcare provider schedules the procedure and prepares the patient.
4. Using fluoroscopy, the provider identifies the proper location for the catheter insertion, either in the epidural space outside the dura or in the intrathecal space within the spinal fluid.
5. The provider verifies the placement and patency of the catheter to ensure it is open and unobstructed.
6. The catheter is sutured to the supraspinous ligament, a strong fibrous cord in the spine, to secure its position.
7. If necessary, an anchoring sleeve may be inserted and sutured in place to prevent tension or movement of the catheter.
8. The catheter is then tunneled to the site where an internal reservoir or pump is implanted or connected to an external unit.
9. Finally, the wound is closed and dressed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 62350 is performed on patients who require long-term medication administration via a tunneled intrathecal or epidural catheter. The procedure is suitable for managing severe pain, postoperative pain, pain from diseases like cancer, and other medical conditions such as spasticity. It does not involve a laminectomy. The patient’s condition and medical history should be evaluated to determine the appropriateness of this procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 62350

CPT code 62350 should be used when the healthcare provider performs the implantation, revision, or repositioning of a tunneled intrathecal or epidural catheter for long-term medication administration. It is important to note that this code should not be used if the procedure involves a laminectomy.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 62350, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for long-term medication administration
• Specific details of the procedure, including the type of catheter used and any adjustments made
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Location of the catheter insertion (epidural or intrathecal)
• Verification of catheter placement and patency
• Details of any additional steps taken during the procedure, such as suturing the catheter to the supraspinous ligament or inserting an anchoring sleeve
• Connection to an internal reservoir or pump, or to an external unit
• Closure and dressing of the wound
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 62350, ensure that the procedure involves the implantation, revision, or repositioning of a tunneled intrathecal or epidural catheter for long-term medication administration without a laminectomy. It is important to follow the specific guidelines and coding instructions provided by the payer. Additionally, consider any applicable modifiers or additional codes that may be required for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 62350 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1996. Since its addition, there have been historical changes to the code, including a code change on January 1, 2001. The previous description of the code included pain management, but it was revised to specify long-term medication administration.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs the implantation of a tunneled intrathecal catheter for long-term medication administration to manage severe pain in a patient with cancer.
2. A patient with spasticity requires the revision of a previously implanted epidural catheter for long-term medication administration using an external pump.
3. A healthcare provider repositions a tunneled intrathecal catheter in a patient with postoperative pain to ensure optimal medication delivery.
4. An epidural catheter is implanted in a patient with severe pain after trauma, allowing for long-term medication administration via an implantable reservoir/infusion pump.