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2025 CPT code 62160

Neuroendoscopy, intracranial, for placement or replacement of ventricular catheter and attachment to shunt system or external drainage.

Always use as an add-on code with the primary procedure.

Modifiers 51 (multiple procedures), 52 (reduced services), 59 (distinct procedural service) might be applicable depending on the specific circumstances.

Medical necessity for 62160 is established by the presence of hydrocephalus (obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid flow),requiring placement of a new ventricular catheter, revision/replacement of an existing catheter due to malfunction or blockage, or acute need for emergency drainage. Documentation should support the clinical need for the procedure.

The neurosurgeon or neurologist performs the procedure, including scalp incision, burr hole creation, neuroendoscopic navigation, catheter placement or replacement, connection to the shunt or drainage system, and wound closure.Pre-operative and post-operative care is also part of the clinical responsibility.

IMPORTANT:Use 62160 only in conjunction with 61107, 61210, 62220-62230, 62258

In simple words: The doctor uses a tiny camera (neuroendoscope) to go inside the brain to put in or replace a thin tube (catheter) to drain fluid. This helps reduce pressure in the brain or fixes a blockage.A small cut is made, and the tube is connected to a shunt or a drainage bag.

This add-on procedure involves using a neuroendoscope to access the brain for placement or replacement of a ventricular catheter, connecting it to a shunt system or external drainage.The procedure may be for initial CSF drainage to reduce pressure or for catheter replacement due to blockage.After prepping and anesthetizing the patient, a small scalp incision is made, a burr hole is created in the skull, and the neuroendoscope is inserted into the ventricle.The endoscope provides visualization for removing a blocked catheter and/or placing a new catheter, optimally positioned to minimize obstruction. The catheter is then connected to the shunt or external drainage system.The incision is sutured and dressed.

Example 1: A patient with hydrocephalus requires placement of a new ventricular catheter to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid.The surgeon uses 62160 in conjunction with the primary procedure code for the shunt placement., A patient experiences a blockage in their existing ventricular shunt. The neurologist performs an endoscopic procedure to remove the obstruction and replace the catheter, billing 62160 in addition to the code for revision of the shunt., A patient requires emergency ventricular drainage due to acute hydrocephalus.The neurosurgeon uses neuroendoscopy to place an external ventricular drain, with 62160 billed along with the code for the EVD placement.

* Preoperative and postoperative diagnoses.* Detailed operative report documenting the endoscopic procedure, including catheter placement/replacement details and shunt connection.* Imaging studies (CT, MRI) demonstrating hydrocephalus or shunt malfunction.* Pathology reports, if applicable.* Anesthesia records.

** This code is for the endoscopic portion of the procedure only.The fee for the primary procedure (shunt placement or revision) is billed separately.

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