Reader Questions:
Look for the Reason in Craniectomies
Published on Thu Apr 28, 2011
QuestionIs the code 61322 solely for raised intracranial pressure (may be due to trauma) or can it be applied for the hemicraniectomy done in hemispheric ischemic infarct with hemorrhagic transformation?Iowa SubscriberAnswerThe code 61322 (Craniectomy or craniotomy, decompressive, with or without duraplasty, for treatment of intracranial hypertension, without evacuation of associated intraparenchymal hematoma; without lobectomy) is reserved for craniectomy done to address the raised intracranial pressure without additional removal of brain tissue or hematoma. It can be applied in your example if a lobectomy or hematoma evacuation are not also performed. For craniectomy procedures done in hemispheric infarction with hemorrhagic transformation in which the hematoma is removed, use 61313 (Craniectomy or craniotomy for evacuation of hematoma, supratentorial; intracerebral).
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