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Neurosurgery Coding Alert

READER QUESTION:

Silastic Graft

Published on Fri Nov 01, 2002

Question: What is the appropriate code to report silastic dural expansion graft following craniectomy for evacuation of hematoma? Arizona Subscriber Answer: Most payers reason that following surgery the surgeon must close the dura regardless of whether a graft is used. Therefore, a silastic dural expansion graft (which is synthetic and need not be harvested) is incidental to the major procedure and does not justify additional coding or payment. In the case you describe, you may report the craniotomy and subdural hematoma evacuation only, using 61312 (Craniectomy or craniotomy for evacuation of hematoma, supratentorial; extradural or subdural).  
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