Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Revision or removal of cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 61888 involves the revision or removal of a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver. A cranial neurostimulator is a medical device used to deliver electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain, often for the treatment of conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, or movement disorders. The process begins with making an incision over the existing device, which is typically located in the subcutaneous tissue. This incision allows the surgeon to access the pulse generator or receiver directly. If the procedure involves revision, adjustments or repairs to the device are performed, and the electrode wire(s) are reconnected. In cases where removal is necessary, the device is carefully dissected from the surrounding tissue and extracted from the body. Following the procedure, the incision is closed in layers, ensuring proper healing and minimizing the risk of complications. This code is specifically designated for instances where the existing cranial neurostimulator device requires modification or complete removal, highlighting the importance of precise coding in the context of neuromodulation therapies.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 61888 is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Revision of Device: This procedure may be performed when there is a need to adjust or repair the cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver due to malfunction, discomfort, or other complications.
  • Removal of Device: The procedure is indicated for the complete removal of the cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver when it is no longer needed, has become ineffective, or is causing adverse effects.

2. Procedure

The procedure for revision or removal of a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver involves several key steps:

  • Incision: An incision is made over the existing cranial neurostimulator device, typically located in the anterior chest area just below the clavicle. This incision is carefully carried down to the subcutaneous pocket where the device is situated, allowing for direct access to the pulse generator or receiver.
  • Exposure of Device: Once the incision is made, the surgeon exposes the device and the electrode wire(s) by carefully dissecting the surrounding tissue. This step is crucial for either revising the device or preparing for its removal.
  • Revision or Removal: If the procedure involves revision, necessary adjustments to the device are made, and the electrode wire(s) are reconnected. In cases where removal is indicated, the device is meticulously dissected free from the surrounding tissue and extracted from the body.
  • Placement of New Device: If a new cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver is being inserted, it is placed into the existing or newly fashioned subcutaneous pocket. The new device is then connected to the cranial electrode wire(s).
  • Programming and Closure: After the new device is in place, it is programmed according to the patient's needs. Finally, the incision is closed in layers using sutures, and the skin may be closed with staples to ensure proper healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the revision or removal of a cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver includes monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection, ensuring proper healing of the incision, and managing any discomfort or pain. Patients may be advised on activity restrictions to promote recovery and prevent complications. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled to assess the functionality of the device, if applicable, and to make any necessary adjustments to the programming of the neurostimulator.

Short Descr REVISE/REMOVE NEURORECEIVER
Medium Descr REVJ/RMVL NEUROSTIMULATOR PULSE GENERATOR
Long Descr Revision or removal of cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 010 - 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) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 174 - Other non-OR therapeutic procedures on skin and breast
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
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)
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"