2025 CPT code 62351

Implantation, revision, or repositioning of a tunneled intrathecal or epidural catheter with laminectomy for long-term medication administration via an external or implantable pump.

Refer to the current CPT guidelines for detailed instructions on appropriate code selection and documentation requirements.Proper coding and documentation are vital for accurate reimbursement.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure, such as modifier 22 (increased procedural services), modifier 51 (multiple procedures), or other modifiers as clinically indicated. Consult the CPT manual and NCCI edits for specific guidance.

The procedure must be medically necessary, meaning the patient's condition requires long-term medication administration via an intrathecal or epidural catheter to alleviate severe pain, spasticity, or other medical conditions. Documentation should clearly support this necessity.

The physician is responsible for the surgical placement, revision, or repositioning of the intrathecal or epidural catheter, including the performance of a laminectomy to access the insertion site, securement of the catheter, and connection to an infusion pump system (internal or external). Post-operative care is included within the global period.

IMPORTANT For percutaneous placement of intrathecal or epidural catheters, see codes 62270, 62272, 62273, 62280, 62281, 62282, 62284, 62320, 62321, 62322, 62323, 62324, 62325, 62326, 62327, 62328, 62329. For refilling and maintenance of an implantable infusion pump, see codes 95990 and 95991.For application of caliper or tongs, use code 20660. For treatment of fracture or dislocation of the spine, see codes 22310-22327.

In simple words: The doctor inserts, replaces, or moves a tube already in the spine to deliver medicine through a pump. This involves removing a small part of the bone in the back (laminectomy) to access the area. The tube is connected to either an internal or external pump to provide medicine over a long time to treat pain or other conditions.

This procedure involves the implantation, replacement, or repositioning of a previously placed and tunneled intrathecal or epidural catheter.A laminectomy is performed to access the insertion site. The catheter is connected to an implantable or external pump for long-term medication delivery into the cerebrospinal fluid.The procedure includes verifying catheter placement and patency, securing the catheter to the supraspinous ligament (possibly with an anchoring sleeve), tunneling the catheter subcutaneously to the pump site, and closing the surgical wound.The implantation of the pump itself is separately reported.

Example 1: A patient with chronic back pain from spinal stenosis undergoes implantation of an intrathecal catheter connected to an implantable drug delivery pump for long-term pain management. Code 62351 is used to report the surgical procedure., A patient with cancer-related pain receives revision of a previously implanted intrathecal catheter due to catheter malfunction. The catheter is repositioned, and code 62351 is used to report the procedure., A patient with multiple sclerosis experiences spasticity requiring intrathecal baclofen administration. An epidural catheter connected to an external pump is implanted, and code 62351 is used to document the procedure.

* Preoperative and postoperative diagnostic imaging (e.g., X-ray, CT scan) to confirm catheter placement.* Operative report detailing the surgical procedure, including the type of catheter used, placement location, and pump type.* Anesthesia records.* Pathology reports (if applicable).* Patient's medical history and clinical indication for the procedure.* Evidence of medical necessity.

** Always ensure accurate documentation supports medical necessity and coding choices.Consult with coding and billing specialists for complex cases.

  • Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
  • RVU: Refer to CMS fee schedules for current RVU values.These values vary based on geographic location and other factors.
  • Global Days : This code has a 10-day global period.
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: The technical component (TC) modifier may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances, particularly in cases where the physician is not performing the entire procedure themselves.Always refer to current guidelines for accurate application.
  • Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data can be found in publicly available CMS resources.These amounts vary by year and location.
  • Specialties:Neurosurgery, Anesthesiology, Pain Management
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center
** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.