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Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Yes, you can code separately for ICP monitoring and EVD caths -- sometimes

Published on Wed Sep 23, 2009

Stop by these 5 checkpoints on the road to 61107, 61210 coding success. An extra $350 in drilling pay can be yours if you focus on the hole's size, location, and relation to any craniectomy. Craniotomy and craniectomy codes might include intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring and ventricular catheter placement (known as EVD, or external ventricular drain), but sometimes your surgeon's work justifies separate billing for each component. Follow our experts' tips on how to decipher documentation to know when it's time to reap higher reimbursement for reporting extra codes or modifiers for ICP monitoring or EVD placement. 1. Zoom In on Size, Location to Determine 61107 Vs. 61210 Pay attention to your physician's technique to know whether he created a twist drill or burr hole. Not focusing on the right key words can cost you $50. Both procedures involve the neurosurgeon drilling a hole in the patient's skull to obtain [...]
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