2025 CPT code 64568
(Valid) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System Feed
Open implantation of cranial nerve (e.g., vagus nerve) neurostimulator electrode array and pulse generator.
Modifiers may be applicable to indicate specific circumstances of the procedure, such as increased procedural services (22), bilateral procedures (50), or reduced services (52).
Medical necessity must be established based on the patient's diagnosis, failure of conservative treatment options, and expected benefit from the neurostimulator.
The physician performs the surgical implantation of the neurostimulator system, including placement of the electrode array, tunneling of the lead, connection to the pulse generator, testing, and securing the device.
In simple words: The doctor implants a device to stimulate a nerve in the head or neck area. This involves placing small electrodes around the nerve and a small battery-powered generator under the skin.The generator sends signals to the electrodes to stimulate the nerve, which can help with conditions like seizures or depression.
This procedure involves open implantation of a cranial nerve neurostimulator electrode array and a programmable pulse generator.The surgeon makes an incision to access the target cranial nerve (e.g., vagus nerve). An electrode array is placed around the nerve. Another incision creates a pocket, often in the chest or arm, for the pulse generator. A lead is passed subcutaneously from the electrode site to the generator pocket. The electrodes are attached to the nerve, the lead is connected to the generator, and the unit is tested.The generator is secured in the pocket, and the incisions are closed.
Example 1: A patient with epilepsy that is not controlled by medication undergoes implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator to reduce seizure frequency., A patient with treatment-resistant depression undergoes implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator as an adjunctive therapy., A patient with cluster headaches undergoes implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator to reduce headache frequency and severity.
Documentation should include the diagnosis necessitating the procedure, the operative report detailing the surgical approach, placement of the electrode array and generator, intraoperative testing, and any complications encountered. Preoperative evaluations and post-operative follow-up should also be documented.
- Revenue Code: P1G - Major Procedure - Other
- Specialties:Neurosurgery, Otolaryngology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center