2025 CPT code 62223
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System Feed
Creation of shunt; ventriculo-peritoneal, -pleural, other terminus. This procedure involves placing a shunt (tube) from the brain's ventricles to another body cavity to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Modifiers may be applicable. Common modifiers include 22 (Increased Procedural Services), 51 (Multiple Procedures), 59 (Distinct Procedural Service), and others as appropriate.
Medical necessity for this procedure is established by demonstrating the presence of hydrocephalus or other condition causing increased intracranial pressure, along with the clinical rationale for shunt placement as the appropriate treatment.
The surgeon makes an incision in the scalp, drills a burr hole into the skull, and inserts the shunt into the ventricles of the brain. The other end of the shunt is tunneled under the skin to the chosen drainage site (abdominal or pleural cavity, or other area). The shunt is secured, and the incision is closed.
In simple words: A shunt (tube) is placed in the brain to drain excess fluid to another part of the body, relieving pressure on the brain. This is done to treat conditions like hydrocephalus (water on the brain).
The provider creates a shunt from the ventricles of the brain to the abdominal cavity, pleural cavity, or other terminus to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This procedure is performed to treat conditions like hydrocephalus, where the ventricles enlarge with CSF, increasing pressure on the brain.The procedure can be performed with or without the aid of a neuroendoscope.
Example 1: A pediatric patient with congenital hydrocephalus requires shunt placement to manage increased intracranial pressure., An adult patient develops hydrocephalus following a head injury and needs a shunt to drain excess CSF., A patient with a brain tumor obstructing CSF flow requires a shunt to divert the fluid and relieve pressure.
Documentation should include the diagnosis (e.g., hydrocephalus), the type of shunt placed (ventriculo-peritoneal, ventriculo-pleural, or other), the operative report detailing the procedure, and any complications encountered.
- Revenue Code: P1G - Major Procedure - Other
- Specialties:Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center