2025 CPT code 61700

Surgical repair of a simple intracranial aneurysm in the carotid circulation using an intracranial approach.

Use modifier 22 if the procedure is significantly more complex than a typical simple aneurysm repair, such as increased aneurysm size, difficult location, or intraoperative complications.

Modifiers are applicable to 61700.Modifier 22 is commonly used to denote increased procedural complexity.

Medical necessity for 61700 is established by the presence of a simple, intracranial aneurysm in the carotid circulation that poses a risk of rupture and subsequent subarachnoid hemorrhage.The procedure aims to eliminate this risk by excluding the aneurysm from circulation.

The physician is responsible for the entire surgical procedure, from pre-operative planning (including angiography for aneurysm localization) to post-operative care.This includes selecting the appropriate surgical approach, meticulous dissection, aneurysm clipping, ensuring hemostasis, and closing the surgical site.

In simple words: This surgery repairs a bulge (aneurysm) in a blood vessel in the brain that supplies blood to the front part of the brain. The surgeon opens the skull, finds the aneurysm, and places a small clip on it to stop blood from flowing into it. This procedure helps prevent a stroke caused by the aneurysm bursting.

This procedure addresses a simple intracranial aneurysm, typically 15 mm or less, located within the carotid circulation. It involves an intracranial approach to surgically clip the aneurysm's neck, excluding it from circulation while preserving blood flow.A craniotomy is performed to access the aneurysm, followed by careful dissection and clipping.The procedure aims to minimize brain dissection and retraction.

Example 1: A patient presents with a 10mm aneurysm in the internal carotid artery discovered incidentally on imaging. The aneurysm is classified as simple and accessible, making 61700 the appropriate code., A patient experiences a subarachnoid hemorrhage and angiography reveals a small, uncomplicated aneurysm in the anterior communicating artery. The surgeon performs an intracranial clipping procedure using the techniques described in 61700., A patient has a 12mm aneurysm in the middle cerebral artery causing neurological symptoms. Due to its size and location, it requires more extensive dissection and brain retraction. While still considered a simple aneurysm, modifier 22 (Increased Procedural Services) might be appended to 61700 to reflect the increased complexity.

Documentation should include: pre-operative imaging (e.g., angiography) confirming the aneurysm's location and characteristics; operative report detailing the surgical approach, aneurysm size and location, clipping method, and any intraoperative challenges; and post-operative notes describing the patient's condition and recovery.

** The definition of a "simple" aneurysm within the context of this code is crucial for proper coding. Refer to CPT guidelines for specific criteria, including size, location, and ease of access.

  • Revenue Code: P1G (Berenson-Eggers Type of Service: MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Specialties:Neurosurgery
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital
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