How To Use CPT Code 63661

CPT 63661 describes the removal of spinal neurostimulator electrode percutaneous array(s), including fluoroscopy, when performed. 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 63661?

CPT 63661 can be used to describe the removal of one or more spinal neurostimulator electrode percutaneous arrays. This procedure may involve the use of fluoroscopy to guide the removal. It is typically performed by a healthcare provider to treat chronic pain in patients who have previously undergone spinal cord stimulation device placement.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 63661 is: ‘Removal of spinal neurostimulator electrode percutaneous array(s), including fluoroscopy, when performed.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider identifies the site of the original incision used for percutaneous electrode array placement.
2. A small incision is made along the back to access the spinal area where the percutaneous array(s) are located.
3. The provider may need to locate and extract any anchors used to hold the device in place.
4. Fluoroscopy may be used to guide the procedure.
5. The provider may need to disconnect the array(s) from the system’s pulse generator.
6. After removing the array(s), the access site is closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 63661 is typically performed on patients who have previously undergone spinal cord stimulation device placement for the treatment of chronic pain. The procedure involves the removal of one or more spinal neurostimulator electrode percutaneous arrays. The use of fluoroscopy may be necessary to guide the removal process.

5. When to use CPT code 63661

CPT code 63661 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the removal of spinal neurostimulator electrode percutaneous array(s), including the use of fluoroscopy. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed in the appropriate clinical circumstances, such as when the patient has previously undergone spinal cord stimulation device placement and requires the removal of the electrode arrays.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 63661, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s medical history and indication for the removal procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the use of fluoroscopy
• Location and number of percutaneous arrays removed
• Any additional procedures performed during the removal, such as the extraction of anchors
• Any complications or adverse events encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 63661, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the necessary criteria. The removal of spinal neurostimulator electrode percutaneous array(s) should be performed by a qualified healthcare provider and include the use of fluoroscopy, if necessary. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines. Additionally, it is important to review any bundling or unbundling rules that may apply to the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 63661 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2010. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider removes a spinal neurostimulator electrode percutaneous array using fluoroscopy to guide the procedure for a patient who previously underwent spinal cord stimulation device placement.
2. A patient with chronic pain undergoes the removal of multiple spinal neurostimulator electrode percutaneous arrays, with the use of fluoroscopy, to address complications related to the device.
3. A healthcare provider performs the removal of a spinal neurostimulator electrode percutaneous array, including the extraction of anchors, for a patient who no longer requires the device for pain management.
4. Using fluoroscopy, a healthcare provider removes a spinal neurostimulator electrode percutaneous array that has malfunctioned in a patient who had previously undergone spinal cord stimulation device placement.
5. A patient with chronic pain undergoes the removal of a spinal neurostimulator electrode percutaneous array, with the use of fluoroscopy, as part of a planned device upgrade.
6. A healthcare provider performs the removal of a spinal neurostimulator electrode percutaneous array, using fluoroscopy, to address an infection at the site of the device in a patient who had previously undergone spinal cord stimulation device placement.
7. A patient with chronic pain undergoes the removal of a spinal neurostimulator electrode percutaneous array, with the use of fluoroscopy, due to a change in their pain management plan.
8. A healthcare provider removes a spinal neurostimulator electrode percutaneous array, including the extraction of anchors, for a patient who experienced a traumatic injury that rendered the device ineffective.
9. Using fluoroscopy, a healthcare provider performs the removal of a spinal neurostimulator electrode percutaneous array for a patient who has decided to discontinue the use of the device for pain management.
10. A patient with chronic pain undergoes the removal of a spinal neurostimulator electrode percutaneous array, with the use of fluoroscopy, as part of a trial period to assess the effectiveness of the device.