© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Stereotactic localization, as described by CPT® Code 61770, is a precise medical procedure that involves the use of advanced imaging techniques to accurately locate and treat brain tumors. This procedure is characterized by the application of a stereotactic head frame, which stabilizes the patient's head and ensures accurate targeting of the lesion. The process begins with stereotactic computed tomography (CT) imaging, often enhanced with contrast, to visualize the tumor's location and size, allowing for optimal planning of the intervention. Following imaging, a surgical incision is made to expose the skull, where one or more burr holes are drilled. These burr holes serve as access points for the insertion of catheters or probes, which are essential for delivering radiation therapy directly to the tumor site. The procedure involves creating tracks in the brain tissue, which are carefully dilated to accommodate the probes or catheters. Once positioned, the radiation source delivery system is attached to the head frame, and radiation monitors are utilized to ensure accurate dosing during treatment. After the prescribed radiation dose is administered, the catheters or probes are removed, and the incision is sutured closed. This meticulous approach allows for targeted treatment of brain tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 61770 is indicated for the treatment of brain tumors. It is specifically utilized when precise localization and targeted delivery of radiation therapy are required to effectively manage the tumor while preserving surrounding healthy brain tissue.
The procedure begins with the application of a stereotactic head frame to stabilize the patient's head, ensuring accurate positioning throughout the intervention. Following this, stereotactic computed tomography (CT) imaging is performed, often with contrast enhancement, to determine the exact location and dimensions of the lesion. This imaging is crucial for planning the optimal placement of the catheters or probes. Once the imaging is complete, a surgical incision is made to expose the skull. A drill is then utilized to create one or more burr holes in the skull, which serve as access points for the subsequent steps. After the burr holes are established, tracks are created in the brain tissue using a needle, which is then dilated to ensure that each track is sufficiently large to accommodate the tips of the probes or catheters. With the tracks prepared, the housing for the radiation source delivery system is mounted onto the head frame. The tips of the probes or catheters are carefully positioned according to the previously acquired target requirements from the imaging. To monitor the radiation dosing during the procedure, radiation monitors are inserted into the carrier ring of the frame. Once everything is in place, the device is activated, and the prescribed radiation dose is delivered for the calculated time interval. Upon completion of the radiation delivery, the probes or catheters are removed, and the incision is closed with sutures.
After the completion of the procedure, post-operative care is essential to monitor the patient's recovery. The incision site should be observed for any signs of infection or complications. Patients may experience some discomfort or swelling at the site, which can be managed with appropriate pain relief measures. Follow-up imaging may be required to assess the effectiveness of the radiation treatment and to monitor for any changes in the tumor. Additionally, patients should be advised on activity restrictions and signs to watch for that may indicate complications, ensuring a safe recovery process.
| Short Descr | INCISE SKULL FOR TREATMENT | Medium Descr | STRTCTC LOCLZJ INSJ CATH/PRB PLMT RADJ SRC | Long Descr | Stereotactic localization, including burr hole(s), with insertion of catheter(s) or probe(s) for placement of radiation source | 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 | Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; 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 | 9 - Other OR therapeutic nervous system procedures |
| 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). | 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. | 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. | 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). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery |
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| 2001-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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