2025 CPT code 61888
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Neurostimulators (Intracranial) Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System Feed
Revision or removal of a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver.
Modifiers may be applicable in certain situations.For example, modifier 52 should be used if only part of the device is revised.Other modifiers might be necessary based on specific circumstances of the procedure and payer requirements.Consult the current CPT manual for a comprehensive list of applicable modifiers.
Medical necessity is established when the cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver malfunctions or becomes infected, requiring revision or removal to restore function or prevent complications.Documentation supporting the medical necessity must be comprehensive and align with payer guidelines.
The neurosurgeon or a qualified physician specializing in neurosurgery is responsible for performing this procedure.Preoperative planning, intraoperative technique, and postoperative care are all part of this responsibility. This includes appropriate patient selection, informed consent, surgical planning, operative technique, and post-operative management.
- Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System
- Neurostimulators (Intracranial) Procedures on the Skull, Meninges, and Brain
In simple words: The doctor opens the skin to check or replace the device under the skin that sends electrical signals to the brain. This might be done if the battery is dead, the device is broken, there's an infection, or if the treatment isn't working well.
This CPT code encompasses the surgical revision or removal of a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver.The procedure involves re-accessing the subcutaneous pocket, removing the existing device, and potentially replacing or revising it.Connection to the electrode array(s) is included.The procedure may be necessary due to battery failure, component malfunction, infection, or ineffective stimulation.
Example 1: A patient with Parkinson's disease experiences battery failure in their deep brain stimulator (DBS). Code 61888 is used to report the revision surgery to replace the depleted battery., A patient with chronic pain receives a neurostimulator implant that becomes infected. Code 61888 is used to report the removal of the infected device., A patient with epilepsy has a neurostimulator implant that is malfunctioning. The surgeon replaces only the generator unit, not the lead wires. Code 61888 with modifier 52 is used.
** Always ensure that documentation comprehensively supports the medical necessity and specifics of the procedure to avoid claims denials.Correct use of modifiers is critical.Specific payment rates are subject to payer policies and may change over time.
- Revenue Code: P1G (Major Procedure - Other)
- RVU: RVUs vary based on geographic location and other factors. Consult your local Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for specific RVU values and reimbursement rates.
- Global Days : The global period for this procedure is determined by payer-specific policies and may vary.Clarify with the relevant payer for specific details.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: This code does not typically involve a technical component (TC) modifier, as it describes a surgical procedure performed by the physician.
- Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data is not consistently available and varies based on location and payer.It is essential to consult fee schedules specific to your location and payer for accurate information.You can find this on your payer's website.
- Specialties:Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center