Eli's Rehab Report

Published on Mon Nov 14, 2005 PDF

Question: How should I code for a percutaneous eight-lead stim trial? I'm being told to charge CPT 63650 times eight units, but the code says "electrode array," and wouldn't payers consider that one array?


Virginia Subscriber

Answer: The person who told you to report eight units of 63650 (Percutaneous implantation of neurostimulator electrode array, epidural) was speaking about billing for the implant itself. Now you'd report the implant per "electrode." For the actual spinal cord neurostimulator insertion procedures (not the implant), however, you would report "per array," or some call it "per lead." Frequently, spinal cord neurostimulators have either four or eight electrodes per each lead/array.
 
Rule of thumb: At most, you'll probably report two units of 63650 per day for trialed and/or implanted spinal stimulators.