Advanced Search

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Which Code Works for Gliadel Wafers?

Published on Sat Jan 22, 2005

Question: How can I code for placement of Gliadel Wafers? Is there a dedicated code for this, or must I use an unlisted-procedure code?

Ohio Subscriber

Answer: You should call on +61517 (Implantation of brain intracavitary chemotherapy agent [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]).
 
CPT added 61517 in 2003 to describe placement of the dime-sized disks following excision of a brain tumor. The surgeon implants as many as eight wafers at the site of the excision, where they dissolve over a period of two to three weeks and deliver the chemotherapeutic drug carmustine (BCNU) in high concentrations.
 
Code 61517 is an add-on code describing implantation of the chemotherapy agent only, and you must report it in addition to either 61510 (Craniectomy, trephination, bone flap craniotomy; for excision of brain tumor, supratentorial, except meningioma) or 61518 (Craniectomy for excision of brain tumor, infratentorial or posterior fossa; except meningioma, cerebellopontine angle tumor, or midline tumor at base of skull) to describe the primary surgical procedure (that is, the tumor excision).
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

View All