2025 CPT code 61885
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Neurostimulators (Intracranial) Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System Feed
Insertion or replacement of a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver, with direct or inductive coupling, connected to a single electrode array.
Modifiers may be applied based on specific circumstances, such as modifier 59 (distinct procedural service) if additional procedures are performed on separate generators.
The procedure is medically necessary when a patient experiences symptoms that are significantly impairing their quality of life and are unresponsive to more conservative treatment strategies.Documentation should clearly support the need for neurostimulation and that this specific procedure is the appropriate intervention.
The neurosurgeon is primarily responsible for this procedure. This includes patient preparation, incision, device placement, lead connection, testing device functionality, and wound closure.
- Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System
- Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System > Neurostimulators (Intracranial)
In simple words: This code covers the surgery to put in or replace a device under the skin that sends electrical signals to the brain to help with conditions like Parkinson's disease, tremors, or multiple sclerosis. The doctor makes a small cut, places the device, connects it to wires already in place, and tests it before closing the cut.
This CPT code describes the surgical procedure involving the insertion or replacement of a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver within a subcutaneous pocket.The device uses either direct or inductive coupling for connection to a single electrode array. The procedure typically addresses conditions such as Parkinson's disease, tremors, or multiple sclerosis, and may be performed due to device malfunction.The surgeon makes an incision, creates a pocket for the device, tunnels the lead subcutaneously from the array to the generator pocket, connects the lead to the generator, tests functionality, and closes the incision.For replacements, the existing generator is removed before the new one is implanted.
Example 1: A patient diagnosed with Parkinson's disease undergoes implantation of a deep brain stimulator. Code 61885 is used to bill for the placement of the pulse generator., A patient with essential tremor experiences a malfunction of their existing deep brain stimulator pulse generator. The surgeon replaces the generator using the procedure described by code 61885., A patient with multiple sclerosis receives a new deep brain stimulator implant, requiring the placement of the pulse generator and connection to the electrode array. Code 61885 is used to reflect the work done.
Preoperative and postoperative diagnostic imaging (e.g., MRI, CT), operative report detailing the technique, device model, and lead placement, and pathology reports if applicable.Records showing the patient's symptoms and medical necessity for the procedure.
** This code does not include the implantation of the electrode array itself.That may be reported separately depending on the circumstances.
- Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center