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The procedure described by CPT® Code 62194 involves the replacement or irrigation of a subarachnoid or subdural catheter that has become obstructed or is malfunctioning. In simpler terms, this procedure is necessary when a catheter, which is a thin tube used to drain fluid from the brain's subarachnoid or subdural space, is not functioning properly. The process begins with an attempt to clear the obstruction by irrigating the catheter. This is done by inserting a needle into the catheter tubing to either aspirate any blockages or to flush the catheter with fluid. If the initial aspiration does not resolve the issue, a second needle is introduced to facilitate simultaneous irrigation and aspiration. Should these methods fail to clear the obstruction, the procedure progresses to the replacement of the catheter. This involves making a small incision in the skin over the catheter site, disconnecting the existing catheter from the shunt valve, and using a guidewire to assist in the removal of the old catheter. A new catheter is then inserted into the appropriate space, ensuring that it is properly secured and connected to the valve component. This procedure is critical for maintaining proper cerebrospinal fluid drainage and preventing complications associated with catheter malfunction.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 62194 is indicated for specific conditions where a subarachnoid or subdural catheter is obstructed or malfunctioning. The following are the primary indications for performing this procedure:
The procedure for CPT® Code 62194 involves several critical steps to ensure the effective replacement or irrigation of the catheter. Each step is essential for addressing the obstruction or malfunction:
After the completion of the procedure, appropriate post-procedure care is essential to ensure patient safety and recovery. Monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or improper catheter function, is critical. Patients may require follow-up imaging studies to confirm the correct placement and function of the new catheter. Additionally, instructions regarding activity restrictions and signs of potential complications should be provided to the patient to ensure a smooth recovery process.
| Short Descr | REPLACE/IRRIGATE CATHETER | Medium Descr | RPLCMT/IRRG SUBARACHNOID/SUBDURAL CATHETER | Long Descr | Replacement or irrigation, subarachnoid/subdural catheter | 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) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - 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 | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 2 - Insertion, replacement, or removal of extracranial ventricular shunt |
| 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. | 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.) | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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