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A depressed skull fracture is a type of injury characterized by a portion of the skull being pushed inward due to a high-energy impact, typically from a blunt object. This injury can occur from various incidents, such as falls, vehicle accidents, or physical assaults. The fracture may be classified as either open or closed; an open fracture involves a break in the skin, while a closed fracture maintains the integrity of the skin at the fracture site. Depressed skull fractures can lead to serious complications, including loss of consciousness and potential intracranial injuries, such as epidural or subdural hematomas, as well as dural tearing. The CPT® Code 62000 specifically refers to the elevation of a simple, closed depressed skull fracture without any associated dural tear. In this procedure, a surgical incision, often in a lazy-S or horseshoe shape, is made over the depressed area to expose the bone. The surgeon then elevates the depressed bone fragment and inspects the area to confirm that the dura mater, the protective covering of the brain, remains intact. This careful approach is crucial to prevent further complications and ensure proper healing of the skull and surrounding tissues.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 62000 is indicated for patients presenting with a depressed skull fracture that is closed and does not involve a dural tear. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:
The procedure for elevating a depressed skull fracture as described by CPT® Code 62000 involves several critical steps:
Following the elevation of the depressed skull fracture, post-procedure care is essential for optimal recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or neurological deficits. Pain management is provided as needed, and the surgical site is kept clean and dry. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess healing and ensure that the skull is properly aligned. Patients may also be advised on activity restrictions to prevent further injury during the recovery period.
| Short Descr | TREAT SKULL FRACTURE | Medium Descr | ELEVATION DEPRESSED SKULL FX SIMPLE EXTRADURAL | Long Descr | Elevation of depressed skull fracture; simple, extradural | 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) | 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 | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 148 - Other fracture and dislocation procedure |
| 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). | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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