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

Neuroendoscopy, intracranial, for placement or replacement of ventricular catheter and attachment to shunt system or external drainage (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 62160 refers to a neuroendoscopy procedure performed intracranially for the purpose of placing or replacing a ventricular catheter, which is then attached to a shunt system or an external drainage system. This procedure is typically conducted in conjunction with a primary surgical intervention and is reported separately. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the scalp to expose the skull. The periosteum, which is the connective tissue covering the skull, is incised, and a burr hole is created to facilitate access to the ventricular system. A neuroendoscope, a specialized instrument equipped with a camera and light source, is inserted through this burr hole to visualize the ventricular catheter and surrounding intracranial structures. If the procedure involves replacing an existing catheter, the neuroendoscope allows for the precise identification and removal of the old catheter under direct visualization. Subsequently, a new ventricular catheter is advanced into the ventricle, ensuring correct positioning through the neuroendoscope. After the procedure, the burr hole is filled with either bone graft or bone wax to promote healing, and the periosteum, along with the soft tissues and skin, is closed to complete the surgical process.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The neuroendoscopy procedure described by CPT® Code 62160 is indicated for specific clinical scenarios involving the management of ventricular catheters. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Placement of Ventricular Catheter This procedure is indicated when a new ventricular catheter needs to be placed to manage conditions such as hydrocephalus, where there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain.
  • Replacement of Ventricular Catheter This procedure is also indicated when an existing ventricular catheter requires replacement due to malfunction, obstruction, infection, or other complications that may compromise its function.

2. Procedure

The procedure for neuroendoscopy as described in CPT® Code 62160 involves several critical steps to ensure successful placement or replacement of the ventricular catheter. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Incision and Exposure A small incision is made in the scalp to access the underlying skull. This incision allows the surgeon to expose the skull adequately for the next steps of the procedure.
  • Step 2: Burr Hole Creation The periosteum, which is the layer of tissue covering the skull, is incised. A burr hole is then strategically created in the skull to provide access to the ventricular system. This burr hole is essential for the insertion of the neuroendoscope.
  • Step 3: Insertion of Neuroendoscope A neuroendoscope is inserted through the burr hole. The neuroendoscope is advanced into the ventricle, allowing the surgeon to visualize the ventricular catheter and inspect the surrounding intracranial structures. This visualization is crucial for ensuring the correct placement of the catheter.
  • Step 4: Catheter Replacement (if applicable) If the procedure involves replacing an existing ventricular catheter, the surgeon locates the old catheter using the neuroendoscope. The existing catheter is then removed under direct visualization, ensuring that the procedure is performed safely and accurately.
  • Step 5: Placement of New Catheter In cases of catheter placement or replacement, a new ventricular catheter is advanced into the ventricle. The neuroendoscope is used to confirm that the catheter is positioned correctly within the ventricular system.
  • Step 6: Closure After the catheter is properly positioned, the neuroendoscope is removed. The burr hole is filled with bone graft or bone wax to promote healing and stability. Finally, the periosteum is closed, followed by the closure of the soft tissues and skin to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following neuroendoscopy for ventricular catheter placement or replacement involves monitoring the patient for any complications that may arise. Patients are typically observed for signs of infection, bleeding, or any neurological changes. The recovery process may vary depending on the individual patient's condition and the complexity of the procedure. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the function of the ventricular catheter and to ensure that the patient is recovering appropriately. Additionally, instructions regarding wound care and activity restrictions may be provided to facilitate optimal healing and prevent complications.

Short Descr NEUROENDOSCOPY ADD-ON
Medium Descr NUNDSC ICRA PLMT/RPLCMT VENTR CATH SHUNT SYS
Long Descr Neuroendoscopy, intracranial, for placement or replacement of ventricular catheter and attachment to shunt system or external drainage (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) 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 Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 2 - Insertion, replacement, or removal of extracranial ventricular shunt

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

61107 Exempt Mod 51 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Twist drill hole(s) for subdural, intracerebral, or ventricular puncture; for implanting ventricular catheter, pressure recording device, or other intracerebral monitoring device
61210 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Burr hole(s); for implanting ventricular catheter, reservoir, EEG electrode(s), pressure recording device, or other cerebral monitoring device (separate procedure)
62220 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Creation of shunt; ventriculo-atrial, -jugular, -auricular
62223 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Creation of shunt; ventriculo-peritoneal, -pleural, other terminus
62225 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Replacement or irrigation, ventricular catheter
62230 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Replacement or revision of cerebrospinal fluid shunt, obstructed valve, or distal catheter in shunt system
62258 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Removal of complete cerebrospinal fluid shunt system; with replacement by similar or other shunt at same operation
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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.
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.)
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
Date
Action
Notes
2003-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2003.
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"