How To Use CPT Code 62361

CPT 62361 describes the implantation or replacement of a nonprogrammable pump for intrathecal or epidural drug infusion. 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 62361?

CPT 62361 is used to describe the implantation or replacement of a nonprogrammable pump for intrathecal or epidural drug infusion. This procedure allows for the continuous infusion of medications such as anesthetics, antispasmodics, opioids, steroids, and other solutions to treat pain and administer chemotherapy. The pump is placed under the skin and delivers the medication through a tunneled catheter into the intrathecal or epidural space.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 62361 is: ‘Implantation or replacement of device for intrathecal or epidural drug infusion; nonprogrammable pump.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision at the placement site, typically in the abdomen.
2. If it is an initial implant, a pocket is created in the deep subcutaneous tissue and the drug-filled nonprogrammable pump is placed into the pocket.
3. A tunneling device is used to create a subcutaneous tunnel between the pump and the spinal incision.
4. A spinal catheter is attached to the tunneling device with a suture and pulled through the subcutaneous tunnel to the subcutaneous pocket.
5. The provider verifies the catheter patency and connects it to the pump, securing it with sutures.
6. If replacing an existing pump, the scar from the previous placement procedure is reopened, the old pump is removed, and a new one is implanted.
7. The existing implanted catheter is attached to the new pump and secured with sutures.
8. The wound is irrigated, closed, and dressed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 62361 is performed when a nonprogrammable pump needs to be implanted or replaced for intrathecal or epidural drug infusion. This procedure is typically done for patients who require continuous infusion of medications to manage pain or administer chemotherapy. The pump delivers the medication through a tunneled catheter into the intrathecal or epidural space.

5. When to use CPT code 62361

CPT code 62361 should be used when a nonprogrammable pump is implanted or replaced for intrathecal or epidural drug infusion. This code is appropriate for procedures involving the continuous infusion of medications such as anesthetics, antispasmodics, opioids, steroids, and other solutions to treat pain and administer chemotherapy.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 62361, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the implantation or replacement of the nonprogrammable pump
• Details of the procedure, including the incision site, creation of a subcutaneous pocket (if applicable), tunneling of the catheter, connection to the pump, and closure of the wound
• Type and concentration of medication being infused
• 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 62361, ensure that the procedure involves the implantation or replacement of a nonprogrammable pump for intrathecal or epidural drug infusion. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements and guidelines for reporting this code. CPT code 62361 should not be reported with other codes unless additional procedures were performed during the same session.

8. Historical information

CPT 62361 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1996. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with chronic pain undergoes the implantation of a nonprogrammable pump for intrathecal drug infusion to manage their pain.
2. An individual with cancer receives the replacement of a nonprogrammable pump for epidural drug infusion to administer chemotherapy.
3. A patient with spasticity undergoes the implantation of a nonprogrammable pump for intrathecal antispasmodic drug infusion.
4. An individual with postoperative pain receives the replacement of a nonprogrammable pump for epidural opioid infusion.
5. A patient with inflammation-related pain undergoes the implantation of a nonprogrammable pump for intrathecal steroid infusion.
6. An individual with neuropathic pain receives the replacement of a nonprogrammable pump for epidural opioid infusion.
7. A patient with cancer-related pain undergoes the implantation of a nonprogrammable pump for intrathecal opioid infusion.
8. An individual with spasticity receives the replacement of a nonprogrammable pump for epidural antispasmodic drug infusion.
9. A patient with postoperative pain undergoes the implantation of a nonprogrammable pump for intrathecal opioid infusion.
10. An individual with inflammation-related pain receives the replacement of a nonprogrammable pump for epidural steroid infusion.