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The CPT® Code 61517 refers to the procedure of implanting a brain intracavitary chemotherapy agent, which is performed as an adjunctive treatment following the surgical resection of a malignant brain tumor. This procedure is specifically designed to deliver chemotherapy directly into the resection cavity, thereby maximizing the local concentration of the therapeutic agent while minimizing systemic exposure. The process begins with the careful handling of the chemotherapy agent according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring that it is prepared correctly for implantation. The agent is then strategically placed within the cavity created by the tumor resection, with particular attention paid to anatomical structures such as the ventricles and major blood vessels to avoid any potential complications. After the chemotherapy agent is securely positioned, the surgical site may be irrigated to ensure proper placement and to maintain a clean environment. Finally, the dura mater, which is the outermost layer of the protective covering of the brain, is meticulously closed to prevent any leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, thereby promoting optimal healing and reducing the risk of postoperative complications.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The implantation of a brain intracavitary chemotherapy agent, as described by CPT® Code 61517, is indicated in specific clinical scenarios following the surgical resection of malignant brain tumors. The primary indications for this procedure include:
The procedure for the implantation of a brain intracavitary chemotherapy agent involves several critical steps to ensure proper execution and patient safety. Each step is outlined as follows:
Post-procedure care following the implantation of a brain intracavitary chemotherapy agent includes monitoring for any signs of complications, such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage or infection. Patients may require follow-up imaging to assess the placement of the chemotherapy agent and the integrity of the surgical site. Additionally, healthcare providers will monitor the patient's neurological status and manage any potential side effects related to the chemotherapy agent used. Proper postoperative care is essential to ensure optimal recovery and the effectiveness of the chemotherapy treatment.
| Short Descr | IMPLT BRN INTRCV CHEMOTX AGT | Medium Descr | IMPLTJ BRAIN INTRACAVITARY CHEMOTHERAPY AGENT | Long Descr | Implantation of brain intracavitary chemotherapy agent (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No 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) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 224 - Cancer chemotherapy |
This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.
| 61510 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Craniectomy, trephination, bone flap craniotomy; for excision of brain tumor, supratentorial, except meningioma | 61518 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Craniectomy for excision of brain tumor, infratentorial or posterior fossa; except meningioma, cerebellopontine angle tumor, or midline tumor at base of skull | 69990 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Restricted APC N ASC N1 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article 1Microsurgical techniques, requiring use of operating microscope (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 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.) | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | 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 | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| 2003-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2003. |
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