2025 CPT code 61868
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Neurostimulators (Intracranial) Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System Feed
Placement of each additional neurostimulator electrode array during stereotactic surgery, using intraoperative microelectrode recording.
Modifiers 51 (multiple procedures) and others may apply based on the specifics of the case and the payer's guidelines.Always consult current payer specific rules.
The medical necessity for additional electrode arrays should be supported by clinical indications.This would include documented failure of initial placement of a single array to control symptoms, presence of multiple areas requiring stimulation, or the need for more fine-tuned targeting for symptom relief.
The neurosurgeon is responsible for performing this procedure.This includes pre-operative planning, intraoperative placement and monitoring, and post-operative care.Anesthesia services may also be involved.Neurophysiologic monitoring might be performed by a separate technician, but the interpretation of such monitoring remains the neurosurgeon's responsibility.
- Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System
- Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System > Neurostimulators (Intracranial)
In simple words: This code describes adding extra electrode arrays during brain surgery to help stimulate specific areas. The surgeon uses special imaging and recording techniques to ensure the electrodes are correctly placed for the best treatment.
This CPT code, 61868, represents the addition of each subsequent neurostimulator electrode array during a stereotactic procedure.The procedure involves the use of a three-dimensional coordinate system to precisely locate targets within the brain (e.g., thalamus, globus pallidus, subthalamic nucleus, periventricular gray matter, periaqueductal gray).Intraoperative microelectrode recording is utilized to optimize electrode array placement.This code is an add-on code and requires a primary procedure code (such as 61867) to be reported along with it.Each additional array implanted necessitates a separate reporting of this code.
Example 1: A patient undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease requires two additional electrode arrays targeting specific areas within the subthalamic nucleus to optimize symptom control., During a procedure for epilepsy surgery, additional electrode arrays are necessary to target a secondary area within the hippocampus and amygdala showing epileptogenic activity., A patient with essential tremor requires an additional electrode array in the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus to treat symptoms affecting their dominant arm, improving functionality.
Detailed operative report including the number of electrode arrays placed, target sites, and intraoperative microelectrode recording findings. Preoperative imaging (CT or MRI) showing target locations. Postoperative neurological examinations should be documented.
** Intraoperative microelectrode recording is inherent to the procedure and should not be reported separately when performed by the operating surgeon.
- Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided text and would require referencing the current CMS relative value units.The RVUs will vary based on geographic location and other factors.
- Global Days : The global period for this add-on code is determined by the global period associated with the primary procedure code (61867).
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: This is not applicable to this code because it is an add-on code.
- Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data is not provided.Consult your specific payer or fee schedule resources for historical data.
- Specialties:Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center