2025 CPT code 62230
Effective Date: N/A Surgery > Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System Feed
Replacement or revision of cerebrospinal fluid shunt, obstructed valve, or distal catheter in shunt system.
Modifiers may be applicable to 62230 in certain situations (e.g., -22 for increased procedural services, -52 for reduced services). Refer to current CPT guidelines and payer-specific policies for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity should be supported by documentation of shunt malfunction and associated clinical symptoms or signs (e.g., signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure). This may include imaging findings (e.g., CT, MRI), neurological examination, and patient history. The documentation should clearly establish the clinical need for the intervention and its direct correlation to the shunt malfunction.
The surgeon performs the procedure, which includes incising the scalp, drilling a burr hole, accessing the shunt system, repairing/replacing the faulty component, testing the system, and closing the incision.
In simple words: This procedure involves fixing a blocked or broken part of a shunt system in the brain that helps drain extra fluid. The surgeon opens the scalp, makes a small hole in the skull, and then fixes or replaces the broken part of the shunt. Sometimes a tiny camera is used to see better inside the brain during the procedure.
The provider replaces or revises a malfunctioning part of a previously placed shunt system for drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This procedure is often performed due to a blockage in the shunt, valve, or distal catheter preventing CSF drainage.A neuroendoscope may be used to visualize the ventricular system and precisely locate the malfunctioning component. The procedure typically involves incising the scalp, drilling a burr hole into the skull, and accessing the shunt system to repair or replace the necessary parts. The system is tested after repair/replacement, and the scalp is closed in layers.
Example 1: A patient with a pre-existing ventriculoperitoneal shunt presents with signs of increased intracranial pressure due to a distal catheter obstruction. The surgeon performs 62230 to replace the obstructed catheter., A child with hydrocephalus experiences shunt malfunction due to a faulty valve. The surgeon performs 62230 to replace the valve and restore proper CSF flow., A patient with a blocked ventricular catheter within a shunt system undergoes 62230. During the procedure, the surgeon utilizes a neuroendoscope to visualize and replace the catheter.
Operative report detailing the procedure including the specific components repaired or replaced (shunt, valve, distal catheter), the use of a neuroendoscope (if applicable), the location of the malfunction, and any complications encountered. Preoperative imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, MRI) demonstrating the shunt malfunction and the need for intervention. Postoperative notes documenting the patient's neurological status and shunt function.
- Specialties:Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center