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Official Description

Open implantation of neurostimulator electrode array; sacral nerve (transforaminal placement)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Open implantation of a neurostimulator electrode array for sacral nerve stimulation involves a surgical procedure aimed at treating various voiding dysfunctions. These dysfunctions may include conditions such as urge incontinence, urgency, frequency, and nonobstructive urinary retention. The procedure is performed through a direct transforaminal approach, which means that the electrode array is implanted by accessing the sacral nerve through the sacral foramen. This method allows for precise placement of the neurostimulator electrode array, which is essential for effective stimulation of the sacral nerve. The procedure begins with the preparation of the skin and the administration of a local anesthetic to ensure patient comfort. Following this, an incision is made in the midline of the skin over the sacrum, and the underlying tissues are carefully dissected to expose the sacrum. A foramen needle is then inserted into the selected sacral foramen, allowing for the connection of a power source to facilitate stimulation. The position of the needle is adjusted until the desired motor response is achieved, confirming the correct placement of the electrode array. This electrode array is then positioned adjacent to the sacral nerve, and its placement is verified through further stimulation testing. Finally, the electrode array is tunneled to the site where the generator or receiver will be implanted, which is a separate procedure, and the surgical site is closed in layers to ensure proper healing.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The open implantation of a neurostimulator electrode array for sacral nerve stimulation is indicated for the treatment of various voiding dysfunctions. These include:

  • Urge Incontinence - A condition characterized by an involuntary loss of urine associated with a strong, sudden urge to urinate.
  • Urgency - The compelling need to urinate that may occur frequently and unexpectedly.
  • Frequency - An increased need to urinate more often than normal, which can disrupt daily activities.
  • Nonobstructive Urinary Retention - A condition where the bladder does not empty completely, leading to discomfort and potential complications.

2. Procedure

The procedure for open implantation of a neurostimulator electrode array involves several critical steps to ensure successful placement and functionality of the device.

  • Step 1: Skin Preparation and Anesthesia - The surgical site is first prepared by cleaning the skin over the sacrum. A local anesthetic is then injected into the skin and the periosteum of the sacrum to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Incision and Dissection - A midline incision is made in the skin over the sacrum. The surgeon carefully dissects the overlying tissue to expose the sacrum, ensuring that the underlying structures are preserved.
  • Step 3: Needle Insertion - A foramen needle is inserted into the selected sacral foramen. This step is crucial as it allows access to the sacral nerve for stimulation.
  • Step 4: Stimulation and Response Evaluation - A power source is connected to the needle, and stimulation is applied. The surgeon evaluates the motor responses as the position of the needle is adjusted until the desired response is achieved, indicating proper nerve stimulation.
  • Step 5: Electrode Array Placement - Once the correct position is confirmed, the needle is disconnected from the power source and removed. An electrode array is then passed through the foramen and positioned next to the sacral nerve, ensuring optimal placement for effective stimulation.
  • Step 6: Verification of Placement - The placement of the electrode array is verified by testing the motor response to stimulation, ensuring that it is correctly positioned for therapeutic effect.
  • Step 7: Tunneling and Closure - The electrode array is tunneled to the site of the generator or receiver, which will be implanted in a separately reportable procedure. The presacral fascia is then closed over the electrode array, followed by the closure of the subcutaneous tissue and skin to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients may require monitoring for any immediate complications related to the surgery. Post-operative care typically includes pain management and instructions for activity restrictions to promote healing. Patients should be advised on signs of infection or other complications that may require medical attention. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to assess the functionality of the neurostimulator and to plan for the implantation of the generator or receiver in a separate procedure.

Short Descr OPN IMPLTJ NEA SACRAL NERVE
Medium Descr OPEN IMPLANTATION NEA SACRAL NERVE
Long Descr Open implantation of neurostimulator electrode array; sacral nerve (transforaminal placement)
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
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 2
CCS Clinical Classification 9 - Other OR therapeutic nervous system procedures
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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.
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).
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.
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient 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).
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).
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.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
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)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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
2022-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2012-01-01 Changed Code description Changed
2002-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2002.
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