2025 CPT code 62010

Elevation of depressed skull fracture; with repair of dura and/or debridement of brain

This code describes the surgical elevation of a depressed skull fracture and does not include the treatment of other intracranial injuries, which should be coded separately.The extent of dural repair and brain debridement should be clearly documented.

Modifiers may be applicable to indicate specific circumstances, such as increased procedural services (22), multiple procedures (51), or assistant surgeon (80).

Medical necessity for 62010 is established by the presence of a depressed skull fracture causing compression of the brain, dural tear, or neurological deficits.The procedure is necessary to alleviate pressure on the brain, prevent further injury, and address any associated complications such as infection.

The surgeon performs the procedure after the patient is prepped and anesthetized. This includes making the scalp incision, elevating the fracture fragments, inspecting and repairing the dura, debriding the brain if needed, and reconstructing the skull using bone fragments, mesh, or implants. Hemostasis (stopping bleeding) is maintained throughout.

In simple words: The surgeon makes an incision in the scalp to access the depressed skull fracture.They lift the depressed bone fragment, repair any tears in the brain's covering, and clean any damaged brain tissue. This helps relieve pressure on the brain and fix the indentation in the skull.

This procedure involves incising the scalp, elevating a depressed skull fracture (bone fragment pressing into the brain), repairing the dura (outer brain membrane), and debriding (removing damaged tissue from) the brain if necessary.The procedure aims to reduce pressure on the brain and restore the normal skull contour.

Example 1: A patient presents with a depressed skull fracture after a fall, with bone fragments pressing on the brain and a tear in the dura. Code 62010 is used for the surgical elevation of the fracture, repair of the dural tear, and any necessary brain debridement., A child sustains a depressed skull fracture during a bicycle accident. The fracture is causing neurological symptoms.The surgeon performs 62010 to elevate the depressed bone and address any underlying brain injury., An individual is assaulted with a blunt object resulting in a depressed skull fracture with contamination. The surgeon performs 62010 which includes debridement of the contaminated tissue along with elevation of the fracture and dural repair.

Documentation should include details of the injury mechanism, neurological findings, imaging results (e.g., CT scan), operative report detailing the extent of the fracture, dural involvement, debridement performed (if any), and method of skull reconstruction.Pre- and postoperative neurological assessments should also be documented.

  • Specialties:Neurosurgery
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital
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