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Official Description

Transcatheter permanent occlusion or embolization (eg, for tumor destruction, to achieve hemostasis, to occlude a vascular malformation), percutaneous, any method; central nervous system (intracranial, spinal cord)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 61624 refers to a specialized medical procedure known as transcatheter permanent occlusion or embolization, specifically targeting the central nervous system (CNS), which includes both intracranial and spinal cord arteries. This procedure is performed percutaneously, meaning it is done through the skin, utilizing a catheter that is inserted into the vascular system. The primary objectives of this procedure include tumor destruction, achieving hemostasis (the stopping of bleeding), or occluding (blocking) a vascular malformation. The procedure begins with the selection and puncture of an access artery, followed by the placement of an introducer sheath to facilitate the insertion of a guidewire. This guidewire is then advanced to the target vessel, guided by imaging techniques that are separately reportable. Once the target area is confirmed through diagnostic angiography, the physician can proceed with the occlusion or embolization process. This involves either deploying an occlusion device or injecting an embolizing agent to effectively block the blood flow to the targeted area. The procedure is concluded with a post-procedure neurological examination to ensure the patient's neurological stability, confirming the success of the intervention.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The transcatheter permanent occlusion or embolization procedure (CPT® Code 61624) is indicated for several specific medical conditions and scenarios, including:

  • Tumor Destruction - This procedure is performed to destroy tumors located within the central nervous system, effectively reducing their size or eliminating them entirely.
  • Achieving Hemostasis - It is utilized to stop bleeding in cases where there is significant hemorrhage, particularly in vascular malformations or after trauma.
  • Occlusion of Vascular Malformations - The procedure is indicated for occluding abnormal blood vessels that may lead to complications such as hemorrhage or other neurological issues.

2. Procedure

The procedure for transcatheter permanent occlusion or embolization involves several critical steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Access and Puncture - The physician begins by selecting an appropriate access artery, which is then punctured to allow for catheter insertion. This step is crucial as it provides the entry point for the subsequent procedures.
  • Introducer Sheath Placement - After puncturing the access artery, an introducer sheath is placed over the needle. The needle is then withdrawn, leaving the sheath in place to facilitate the introduction of other instruments.
  • Guidewire Insertion - A guidewire is inserted through the introducer sheath and advanced to the target vessel. This guidewire serves as a pathway for the angiography catheter and is essential for navigating the vascular system.
  • Diagnostic Angiography - Using separately reportable imaging guidance, diagnostic angiography is performed to confirm the presence of a vascular anomaly and to evaluate the surrounding vasculature. This step is critical for planning the occlusion or embolization.
  • Catheter Advancement - Following the diagnostic angiography, the angiography catheter is positioned in the artery that is to be occluded. The guidewire is reintroduced through the catheter and advanced to the target vessel.
  • Embolization or Occlusion Catheter Insertion - The angiography catheter is then removed, and an embolization or occlusion catheter is advanced over the guidewire to the target site.
  • Neurological Examination - Prior to deploying the occlusion device or injecting the embolizing agent, a neurological examination is performed to assess the patient's condition and ensure readiness for the procedure.
  • Deployment of Occlusion Device or Injection of Embolizing Agent - The occlusion device is inserted through the catheter and deployed, or the embolizing agent is injected into the target vessel to achieve the desired occlusion.
  • Contrast Injection - Contrast material is injected to confirm that the vessel has been successfully occluded, providing visual confirmation of the procedure's effectiveness.
  • Post-Procedure Neurological Examination - Finally, a post-procedure neurological examination is conducted to confirm the patient's neurological stability and to ensure that there are no immediate complications following the intervention.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the transcatheter permanent occlusion or embolization procedure, it is essential to monitor the patient for any potential complications. A post-procedure neurological examination is performed to assess the patient's neurological status and confirm stability. This examination helps to identify any immediate adverse effects resulting from the procedure. Additionally, the patient may require follow-up imaging studies to evaluate the long-term success of the occlusion or embolization and to ensure that the targeted area remains effectively treated. Careful monitoring and appropriate follow-up are critical components of the post-procedure care to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Short Descr TRANSCATH OCCLUSION CNS
Medium Descr TCAT PERMANENT OCCLUSION/EMBOLIZATION PRQ CNS
Long Descr Transcatheter permanent occlusion or embolization (eg, for tumor destruction, to achieve hemostasis, to occlude a vascular malformation), percutaneous, any method; central nervous system (intracranial, spinal cord)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
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) 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 2
CCS Clinical Classification 59 - Other OR procedures on vessels of head and neck

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

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)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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.
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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.)
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AG Primary physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
ET Emergency services
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
MH Unknown if ordering professional consulted a clinical decision support mechanism for this service, related information was not provided to the furnishing professional or provider
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2003-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
1992-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1992.
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