© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 61215 involves the insertion of a subcutaneous reservoir, pump, or continuous infusion system that is specifically designed for connection to a ventricular catheter. This procedure is typically performed to facilitate the delivery of medication directly into the brain or to manage the drainage of excess cerebrospinal fluid from the ventricles, which can be critical in treating various neurological conditions. The process begins with the physician making an incision in the skin located under the infraclavicular fossa, which is the area beneath the collarbone. Following the incision, a subcutaneous pocket is meticulously created to accommodate the reservoir, pump, or continuous infusion system. Once the device is securely placed within this pocket, it is then connected to a ventricular catheter that has been previously inserted. Finally, the skin is closed over the device, ensuring that it is properly positioned and protected. This procedure is essential for patients requiring ongoing management of cerebrospinal fluid or targeted medication delivery, highlighting its significance in neurosurgical interventions.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure associated with CPT® Code 61215 is indicated for specific medical conditions that necessitate the management of cerebrospinal fluid or the delivery of medication directly into the brain. The following are the primary indications for this procedure:
The procedure for the insertion of a subcutaneous reservoir, pump, or continuous infusion system involves several critical steps to ensure proper placement and functionality. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications, such as infection or bleeding. Post-operative care may include pain management and instructions on how to care for the incision site. Patients may also be advised on signs of potential complications, such as increased swelling, redness, or drainage from the incision. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the functionality of the device and to make any necessary adjustments to the medication delivery system. Recovery time can vary based on individual patient factors and the complexity of the procedure, but most patients can expect to resume normal activities within a few weeks, depending on their overall health and the specific indications for the procedure.
| Short Descr | INS SUBQ RSVR PMP/NFS SYS | Medium Descr | INSJ SUBQ RSVR PUMP/CONT INFUSION SYS VENTR CATH | Long Descr | Insertion of subcutaneous reservoir, pump or continuous infusion system for connection to ventricular catheter | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 175 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on skin and breast |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short and Medium Descriptions changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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