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The procedure described by CPT® Code 61850 involves the use of a twist drill or burr hole technique for the implantation of neurostimulator electrodes directly into the cortical area of the brain. This procedure is typically performed by a neurosurgeon and is essential for various therapeutic interventions, particularly in the management of neurological disorders. The term "twist drill" refers to a hand-operated or electric drill that creates a precise opening in the skull, allowing access to the underlying brain tissue. The subsequent insertion of neurotransmitter electrodes into the brain cortex is a critical step, as these electrodes are designed to deliver electrical impulses that can modulate neural activity. This technique is often utilized in the treatment of conditions such as chronic pain, movement disorders, and epilepsy, where neurostimulation can provide significant relief and improve the quality of life for patients. The careful execution of this procedure requires a thorough understanding of neuroanatomy and meticulous surgical technique to minimize risks and ensure optimal outcomes.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 61850 is indicated for several specific conditions and symptoms that warrant the implantation of neurostimulator electrodes in the cortical region of the brain. These indications include:
The procedure for CPT® Code 61850 involves several critical steps that ensure the successful implantation of neurostimulator electrodes. These steps include:
Following the procedure associated with CPT® Code 61850, patients typically require monitoring in a recovery area to ensure there are no immediate complications. Post-procedure care may include pain management, observation for signs of infection, and assessment of neurological function. Patients are often advised on activity restrictions and follow-up appointments to evaluate the effectiveness of the neurostimulator electrodes. 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 days, pending their physician's guidance.
| Short Descr | IMPLANT NEUROELECTRODES | Medium Descr | TWIST/BURR HOLE IMPLTJ NSTIM ELTRD CORTICAL | Long Descr | Twist drill or burr hole(s) for implantation of neurostimulator electrodes, cortical | 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) | 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 | 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 | 9 - Other OR therapeutic nervous system procedures |
| 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. | 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. | 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). | 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) | 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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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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