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Official Description

Application of stereotactic headframe for stereotactic radiosurgery (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 61800 refers to the application of a stereotactic headframe specifically for the purpose of stereotactic radiosurgery. This procedure is essential for accurately targeting and delivering radiation therapy to specific areas within the brain. The stereotactic headframe serves as a critical tool that stabilizes the patient's head during the procedure, ensuring precision in the delivery of treatment. The process begins with the administration of a local anesthetic at various stabilization sites on the skull, which minimizes discomfort for the patient. Following this, the headframe is carefully fitted to the patient's head and secured in place using metal screws. This meticulous setup is vital for the success of the subsequent radiosurgery, as it allows for exact positioning and alignment, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The application of a stereotactic headframe, as described by CPT® Code 61800, is indicated for use in conjunction with stereotactic radiosurgery procedures. This technique is typically employed for patients requiring targeted radiation therapy for various conditions affecting the brain. The specific indications for this procedure may include:

  • Brain Tumors The headframe is used to accurately target and treat malignant or benign tumors located within the cranial cavity.
  • Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) The procedure is indicated for patients with AVMs, where precise targeting is crucial to minimize damage to surrounding brain tissue.
  • Functional Disorders Conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia or certain movement disorders may also warrant the use of stereotactic radiosurgery, necessitating the application of a headframe for accurate treatment delivery.

2. Procedure

The procedure for applying a stereotactic headframe involves several critical steps to ensure proper placement and stabilization. Each step is essential for the overall success of the stereotactic radiosurgery.

  • Step 1: Administration of Local Anesthetic The first step involves the injection of a local anesthetic at each of the designated stabilization sites on the patient's skull. This is crucial for minimizing discomfort during the application of the headframe.
  • Step 2: Fitting the Headframe After the local anesthetic has taken effect, the stereotactic headframe is carefully fitted to the patient's head. This step requires precision to ensure that the frame aligns correctly with the patient's anatomical landmarks.
  • Step 3: Securing the Headframe Once fitted, the headframe is secured to the skull using metal screws. This stabilization is vital for maintaining the accuracy of the positioning throughout the radiosurgery procedure, preventing any movement that could compromise treatment efficacy.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the application of the stereotactic headframe is essential for patient comfort and safety. After the headframe is secured, patients are typically monitored for any immediate adverse reactions to the local anesthetic. It is important to ensure that the stabilization sites are clean and free from infection. Patients may experience some discomfort or mild pain at the injection sites, which can be managed with appropriate analgesics. Additionally, instructions regarding the care of the headframe and any follow-up appointments for the subsequent radiosurgery should be clearly communicated to the patient. Recovery from the application of the headframe is generally quick, allowing for the timely commencement of the planned stereotactic radiosurgery procedure.

Short Descr APPLY SRS HEADFRAME ADD-ON
Medium Descr APPL STRTCTC HEADFRAME STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY
Long Descr Application of stereotactic headframe for stereotactic radiosurgery (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) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply 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 Code Not Recognized by OPPS when submitted on Outpatient Hospital Part B Bill Type (12x/13x)
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

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

61796 MPFS Status: Active Code APC B CPT Assistant Article Stereotactic radiosurgery (particle beam, gamma ray, or linear accelerator); 1 simple cranial lesion
61798 MPFS Status: Active Code APC B CPT Assistant Article Stereotactic radiosurgery (particle beam, gamma ray, or linear accelerator); 1 complex cranial lesion
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
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.
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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.
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).
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.)
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).
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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2009-01-01 Added -
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