Nervous System (61000-64999)

The following is a listing of main subsection headings that appear within the
Nervous System Section of the CPT codebook:

Skull, Meninges, and Brain (61000-62258)

Spine and Spinal Cord (62263-63746)

Extracranial Nerves, Peripheral Nerves, and Autonomic

Nervous System (64400-64999)

Nervous System Procedures - Familiarize yourself with these terms in the CPT
manual describing Nervous System procedures:

Procedural Terms Definitions

Anterior temporal A neurosurgical procedure that removes the anterior

lobectomy temporal lobe including the medial temporal
structures of cerebral cortex, amygdala, hippocampus
and the adjacent parahippocampal gyrus. This
procedure is generally used for the treatment of
intractable temporal epilepsy.

Burr hole An air powered drill is used to make a hole in the

skull. The dura mater (tough covering of the brain) is
then opened.

Cerebral decortication Partial or total removal, ablation, or destruction of the

cerebral cortex; may be chemical.

Cerebral shunt Cerebral shunts are commonly used to treat

hydrocephalus, the swelling of the brain due to excess
buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Craniectomy Surgical removal of a portion of the cranium.

Craniotomy Any operation on the cranium or incision into the

cranium.

Denervation The resection or removal of the nerve to an organ or

part.

Laminectomy Excision of the posterior arch of a vertebra.

Nerve transfer Surgical reinnervation of a denervated peripheral
target using a healthy donor nerve and/or its proximal
stump. The direct connection is usually made to a
healthy postlesional distal portion of a non-
functioning nerve or implanted directly into
denervated muscle or insensitive skin. Nerve sprouts
will grow from the transferred nerve into the
denervated elements and establish contact between
them and the neurons that formerly controlled another
area.

Neuroendoscopy Neuroendoscopy uses small telescopes and high

resolution video cameras to look into the skull, brain
and spine. Working with these endoscopes, it is now
possible to perform many microsurgical operations.
This minimally invasive neurosurgery has the distinct
advantages of a small incision site and minimal
trauma to the brain or spinal cord, resulting in a
shorter hospital stay for patients and a quicker return
to normal activities.

Neurolysis The breaking down or destruction of nerve tissue,

especially as a result of disease.

Neuroplasty Surgery to repair or restore nerve tissue.

Neurorrhaphy The surgical suturing of a divided nerve. Also called

neurosuture.

Neurostimulator A neurostimulator, also called an implanted pulse

generator (IPG) is a battery powered device designed
to deliver electrical stimulation to the brain.
Techniques during brain surgery that use a system of
Stereotaxic techniques three-dimensional coordinates to locate small targets
inside the body and to perform on them some action
such as ablation, biopsy, lesion, injection, stimulation,
implantation, radiosurgery (SRS), etc.

Trephining The removal of a circular disk of the cranium. It is

performed with a trephine, a small circular saw with a
center pin mounted on a hollow metal shaft to which
is attached a transverse handle.

Twist drill Craniotomy with a mechanical twist drill is a

standard, minimally invasive procedure in
 neurosurgery, widely used for the drainage of chronic
subdural hematomas and the placement of ventricular
drains.

Ventriculostomy A neurosurgical procedure that involves creating a

hole ("ostomy") within a cerebral ventricle for
drainage.

Ventriculocisternostom Surgical creation of a communication between the

y third ventricle and the interpeduncular cistern, for
drainage of cerebrospinal fluid.

Skull, Meninges, and Brain (61000-62258)

Injection, Drainage, or Aspiration

Codes 61000-61070 describe diagnostic or therapeutic injection, drainage and

aspiration procedures. Report radiological guidance when performed.

Craniectomy or Craniotomy

Codes 61304-61576 describe different approaches to reach the brain part to treat a

disease or trauma.

Code 61304 is for exploratory craniectomy or craniotomy. In 61304, the

supratentorial area of the brain (above the tentorium of the cerebellum) is accessed.

In 61305, the infratentorial (below the tentorium of the cerebellum) area of the brain
is accessed.
Code 61312 for craniectomy or craniotomy to drain a hematoma. In 61312, the
supratentorial hematoma is located in the epidural or subdural space.

In 61313, the supratentorial hematoma is located within the brain.

In 61314, the infratentorial hematoma is located in the extradural or subdural space.

In 61315, the infratentorial hematoma is located within the cerebellum.

In 61514, an abscess is excised.

In 61516, a cyst is excised or fenestrated. Fenestration is the surgical creation of an

opening or window in the cyst to allow it to drain.

Surgery of Skull Base

The surgical management of lesions involving the skull base (base of anterior,
middle, and posterior cranial fossae) often requires the skills of several surgeons
of different surgical specialties working together or in tandem during the operative
session. These operations are usually not staged because of the need for definitive
closure of dura, subcutaneous tissues, and skin to avoid serious infections such as
osteomyelitis and/or meningitis.

The codes are categorized according to

(1) approach procedure necessary to obtain adequate exposure of the lesion

(pathologic entity),

(2) definitive procedure(s) necessary to biopsy, excise or otherwise treat the

lesion, and

(3) repair/reconstruction of the defect present following the definitive procedure(s).

The approach procedure is described according to anatomical area involved, i.e.,

anterior cranial fossa, middle cranial fossa, posterior cranial fossa, and brain stem or
upper spinal cord. 
The definitive procedure(s) describes the repair, biopsy, resection, or excision of
various lesions of the skull base and, when appropriate, primary closure of the dura,
mucous membranes, and skin.

The repair/reconstruction procedure(s) is reported separately if extensive dural

grafting, cranioplasty, local or regional myocutaneous pedicle flaps, or extensive skin
grafts are required.

When one surgeon provides the approach procedure, another surgeon performs

the definitive procedure(s), and another surgeon the repair/reconstruction
procedure(s), each surgeon reports only the code for the specific procedure
performed.

If one surgeon provides more than 1 procedure, report the second one with 51
modifier.

Repair and/or Reconstruction of Surgical Defects of Skull Base

The physician repairs a cerebrospinal fluid leak in the dura following a craniotomy of
the skull base. The approach is dependent on the location of the dural leak.

In 61618, for repair of dura for CSF leak, anterior, middle or posterior cranial fossa
following surgery of the skull base, is by free tissue graft (e.g., pericranium, fascia,
tensor fascia lata, adipose tissue, homologous or synthetic grafts).

In 61619, a vascularized pedicle flap is rotated over the dural defect. 

Endovascular Therapy :-

Endovascular treatments are minimally invasive procedures that are done

inside the blood vessels and can be used to treat peripheral arterial disease,
or PAD, which is a common type of vascular problem in the leg, aorta or carotid.
Code 61623 is reported for endovascular temporary balloon arterial occlusion (TBO),
head or neck (extracranial/intracranial) including selective catheterization of vessel to
be occluded. TBO controls blood flow in arteries of the neck during procedures such
as intracranial or extracranial aneurysm surgery.

Do not report the catheterization codes additionally, as the procedure is a selective

catheterization.

Code 61624 describes permanent occlusion or embolization (e.g., for tumor

destruction, to achieve hemostasis, to occlude a vascular malformation),
percutaneous, any method; central nervous system (intracranial, spinal cord) and for
non-central nervous system, head or neck (extracranial, brachiocephalic branch),
use 61625.

Surgery for Aneurysm, Arteriovenous

Malformation or Vascular Disease
Codes 61680-61711 include craniotomy when appropriate for procedure.
 Aneurysm: Weakening of an arterial blood vessel wall, resulting in a
dilated outpouching from the weak-walled vessel, rendering it
susceptible to rupture.
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): AVM is a tumor-like growth
of blood vessels 

Codes 61680-61692 describe procedures for intracranial AVMs based on location

(supratentorial, infratentorial, dural), simple or complex.

Codes 61697-61698 describe procedures for complex intracranial aneurysms of the

carotid and vertebrobasilar circulation. A complex aneurysm is larger than 15 mm or
with calcification.

Codes 61700-61702 describe procedures for simple intracranial aneurysms of the

carotid and vertebrobasilar circulation.

Examples:

1) Physician treated complex AVM from supratentorial region.

Code: 61682

2) The physician treated 19 mm aneurysm in the frontal portion of the skull.

Code: 61697

3) The physician treated 12 mm aneurysm in the frontal portion of the skull.

Code: 61700

Stereotaxis
Stereotactic procedures describe minimally-invasive surgical intervention which
makes use of a three- dimensional system to locate small targets inside the body
and to perform on them some action such as ablation (removal), biopsy, lesion,
injection, etc.

Codes 61720-61791 describe intracranial procedures utilizing stereotaxis.

Code 61770 describes sterotactic localization, including burr hole(s), with insertion of

catheter(s) or probe(s) for placement of radiation source.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Cranial) (SRS) or

(SRT)

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) or (SRT): Method of treating disorders with precise

delivery of single high dose radiation.

Code 61796 describes stereotactic radiotherapy (particle beam, gamma ray, or linear

accelerator); 1 simple cranial lesion.

The Add-on code +61797 is for each additional simple cranial lesion..

Code 61798 describes stereotactic radiotherapy (particle beam, gamma ray, or linear

accelerator); 1 complex cranial lesion.

The Add-on code +61799 is for each additional complex cranial lesion..

Neurostimulators (Intracranial)

Cranial neurostimulators consist of electrodes implanted deep in the brain and a

surgically implanted, pacemaker-like device that delivers preprogrammed intermittent
electrical pulses to subcortical sites (e.g., thalamus, globus pallidus, subthalmic
nucleus, periventricular, periaqueductal gray). Neurostimulators are used to treat
functional disorders like Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, intractable pain, etc.

Example: 

The physician treated a patient suffering from Parkinson's disease by replacing the
cranial neurostimulator pulse generator with a new one, using a new incision and
pocket and connecting to a single electrode array. 

Code: 61885

Code 61888 is for revision or removal of cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or

receiver. Do not report 61885 in conjunction with 61885 or 61886 for the same pulse
generator.

Neuroendoscopy
Add-on code +62160 reports the use of intracranial neuroendoscopic techniques
when placing or replacing a ventricular catheter of a shunt or external drainage
system of the brain to divert the flow and drain obstructed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Code 62161 describes intracranial neuroendoscopy with dissection of adhesions,
fenestration of septum pellucidum or intraventricular cysts (including placement,
replacement, or removal of ventricular catheter.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Shunt

 Locate first beginning and ending of the shunt
 Decide whether to add any additional code for the neuroendoscopy (62160)
 Code reprogramming of programmable CSF shunt separately (62252)
 Assign modifier 78 for maintenance in the global period.

Examples 

1) Neurosurgeon places a ventricular shunt routed to the jugular using the

neuroendoscope.

Code: 62220 and 62160

2) Patient presented to the clinic for replacement of ventricular catheter.

Code: 62225

Spine and Spinal Cord (62263-63746)

Injection, Drainage, or Aspiration

Codes 62263-62264 describe percutaneous lysis of epidural adhesions using

solution injection (e.g., hypertonic saline, enzyme) or mechanical means (e.g.,
catheter) including radiologic localization (includes contrast when administered). Do
not code fluoroscopy additionally. Code only once for any number of injections.

Treatment span may be 2-3 days, report only once.

Report 62263 for multiple adhesiolysis sessions on two or more days and 62264 for

multiple adhesiolysis sessions occurring only on one day.

If adhesiolysis is performed once weekly, for example, assign 62264 as it is not

continuous.

Cisternal puncture 

The term epidural is a simplified and all-inclusive term often used to

 refer to techniques such as epidural analgesia and epidural anesthesia.
The epidural route is frequently employed to administer diagnostic and
therapeutic chemical substances, as well as certain analgesic and local
anesthetic agents. Epidural techniques frequently involve injection of
drugs through a catheter placed into the epidural space. The injection
can result in a loss of sensation (including the sensation of pain) by
blocking the transmission of signals through nerves in or near the
spinal cord.

Codes 62310-62311 describe injection(s) of diagnostic or therapeutic substance(s)

(including anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, other solution), not including
neurolytic substances, epidural or subarachnoid; cervical or thoracic (62310), lumbar
or sacral (62311). 

Codes 62318-62319 describe injection(s), including indwelling catheter placement,

continuous infusion or intermittent bolus, diagnostic or therapeutic substance(s), not
including neurolytic substances, to treat chronic pain due to an injury, spinal tumor,
or other problems such as intractable terminal cancer. Report cervical or thoracic
(62318), lumbar or sacral (62319). 

Report 01966 for daily hospital management of continuous epidural or subarachnoid

drug administration performed in conjunction with 62318-62319.

Posterior Extradural Laminotomy or Laminectomy for

Exploration/Decompression of Neural Elements or Excision
of Herniated Intervertebral Discs
Code 63001 describes the procedure for laminectomy with exploration and/or
decompression of spinal cord and/or cauda equina, 1 or 2 cervical vertebral
segments. Report 63003 for 1 or 2 thoracic vertebral segments. Report 63005 for 1
or 2 lumbar vertebral segments, except for spondylolisthesis. Report 63011 for 1 or 2
sacral vertebral segments.
Code 63015 describes the procedure for laminectomy with exploration and/or
decompression of spinal cord and/or cauda equina, more than 2 cervical vertebral
segments. Report 63016 for more than 2 thoracic vertebral segments.
Report 63017 for more than 2 lumbar vertebral segments.

Codes 63020-63035 describe laminotomy (hemilaminectomy), with decompression

of nerve root(s), including partial facetectomy, foraminotomy and/or excision of
herniated intervertebral disc; 1 interspace, cervical (63020), 1 interspace, lumbar
(63030) and Add-on code +63035 for each additional interspace, cervical or lumbar.

Codes 63045-63048 describe laminectomy, facetectomy and foraminotomy

(unilateral or bilateral with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equina and/or nerve
root(s) [e.g., spinal or lateral recess stenosis]), single vertebral segment; cervical
(63045), single vertebral segment; thoracic (63046), single vertebral segment;
lumbar (63047) and use Add-on code +63048 for each additional segment, cervical,
thoracic or lumbar.

Example: 

The surgeon removes the spinous process and left lamina of the third cervical
vertebra (C3), as well as the spinous process and left and right laminae of the
fourth cervical vertebra (C4).

63045 for the first spinal level (C3) the surgeon treats and 63048 for the subsequent
spinal level (C4).

Transpedicular or Costovertebral Approach for Posterolateral

Extradural Exploration/Decompression

Report 63055 for transpedicular approach with decompression of spinal cord, equina

and/or nerve root(s) (e.g., herniated intervertebral disc), single segment; thoracic,
single segment lumbar (63056) and use Add-on code +63057 for each additional
segment, thoracic or lumbar.

Report 63064 for costovertebral approach with decompression of spinal cord, equina

and/or nerve root(s) (e.g., herniated intervertebral disc), single segment; thoracic and
use Add-on code +63066 for each additional segment.

Anterior or Anterolateral Approach for Extradural

Exploration/Decompression

Report 63075 for discectomy, anterior, with decompression of spinal cord and/or

nerve root(s), including osteophytectomy; cervical, single interspace and use Add-on
code +63076 for each additional cervical interspace.
Report 63077 for discectomy, anterior, with decompression of spinal cord and/or
nerve root(s), including osteophytectomy; thoracic, single interspace and use Add-on
code +63078 for each additional thoracic interspace.

Codes 63081-63091 describe vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection),

partial or complete, with decompression of spinal cord, nerve root(s), cauda equina,
via different approaches (anterior, transthoracic, combined thoracolumbar,
transperitoneal, retroperitoneal). 

Lateral Extracavitary Approach for Extradural

Exploration/Decompression Codes 63101-63103 describe vertebral
corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, lateral extracavitary
approach with decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve root(s) (e.g., for tumor or
retropulsed bone fragments); thoracic, lumbar, single segment and each additional
segment. 

Example: A patient with a herniated cervical disc undergoes a cervical

laminotomy with a partial facetectomy and excision of the herniated disc for
cervical interspace C3-C4. What CPT® and ICD-10-CM codes are reported?

a. 63050, M50.21

b. 63020, M50.21

c. 63020, 63035, M50.91

d. 63050, M50.91

47-year-old male presents with chronic back pain, and lower left leg radiculitis.
A laminectomy is performed on the inferior end of L5. The microscope is used
to perform microdissection. There was a large extradural cystic structure on
the right side underneath the nerve root as well as the left. The entire
intraspinal lesion was evacuated. What CPT® code(s) is/are reported for this
procedure?

a. 63267, 69990 b. 63252

c. 63272, 69990 d. 63277

59-year-old is suffering from foraminal spinal stenosis. Patient is to have a L4-

L5 laminectomy on the right side. Under general anesthesia a knife dissection
was made on the back taken down to the fascia lie. The fascia on the right side
of the spine was stripped. The deep Taylor retractor was placed. Using an
intraoperative X-ray traced out the foramen of L4-L5. There appeared to be
some compression at this lamina into the foramen and significant stenosis.
The physician removes the spinous process and lamina. Nerve roots canals
are freed by removal of the facet. Compression is relieved by removing bony
overgrowth around the foramen. What CPT® code(s) is/are reported for this
procedure?

a. 63005

b. 63017

c. 63047

d. 63030

Incision

Codes 63170-63173 describe laminectomy procedures with myelotomy (63170), with

drainage of intramedullary cyst/syrinx to subarachnoid space (63172), to peritoneal
or pleural space (63173).

63180, is for laminectomy and section of dentate ligaments, with or without dural
graft, cervical; 1 or 2 segments and for more than 2 segments, 63182. Dentate
(Denticulate) ligaments are a band of fibrous pia mater extending along the spinal
cord on each side between the dorsal and ventral roots.

63185, is for laminectomy with rhizotomy; 1 or 2 segments and 63190 for more than

2 segments. Rhizotomy is the operation of cutting the anterior or posterior spinal
nerve roots.

Codes 63194-63199 describe laminectomy with cordotomy with section of

spinothalamic tract(s), 1 stage or 2 stage procedures. (Cordotomy is a neurosurgical
operation that selectively destroys the anterior spinothalamic tract in order to relieve
pain in the opposite side of the patient body.)

Excision by Laminectomy of Lesion Other Than Herniated

Disc

For laminectomy for excision or occlusion of arteriovenous malformation of cervical

spinal cord, report 63250, thoracic (63251) or thoracolumbar (63252).
Report codes 63265-63268 for laminectomy for excision or evacuation of intraspinal
lesion other than neoplasm, extradural, cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral region.

Report codes 63270-63273 for laminectomy for excision or evacuation of intraspinal

lesion other than neoplasm, intradural, cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral region.

Report codes 63275-63290 for laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal

neoplasm, extradural and intradural, cervical, thoracic, thoracolumbar, lumbar and
sacral regions.

Excision, Anterior or Anterolateral Approach, Intraspinal

Lesion

Codes 63300-63307 describe vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection),

partial or complete, for excision of intraspinal lesion, single segment, extradural or
intradural in cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral regions by transthoracic,
thoracolumbar, transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach. Report Add-on
code+63308 for each additional segment.

Stereotaxis

Stereotactic procedures describe minimally-invasive surgical intervention which

makes use of a three-dimensional system to locate small targets inside the body and
to perform on them some action such as ablation (removal), biopsy, lesion, injection,
etc.

Code 63600 is for creation of lesion of spinal cord by stereotactic method,

percutaneous, any modality (including stimulation and/or recording).

Code 63610 describes sterotactic stimulation of spinal cord, percutaneous, separate

procedure not followed by other surgery.

Code 63615 describes sterotactic biopsy, aspiration, or excision of lesion, spinal

cord.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Spinal (SRS) or (SRT)

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) or (SRT): Method of treating disorders with precise

delivery of single high dose radiation.
Code 63620 describes stereotactic radiosurgery (particle beam, gamma ray, or linear
accelerator); 1 spinal lesion.

Add-on code +63621 is for each additional spinal lesion.

Neurostimulators (Spinal)

Codes 63650, 63655, and 63661-63664 describe the operative placement, revision,

replacement, or removal of the spinal neurostimulator system components to provide
spinal electrical stimulation. A neurostimulator system includes an implanted
neurostimulator, external controller, extension, and collection of contacts. Multiple
contacts or electrodes (4 or more) provide the actual electrical stimulation in the
epidural space.

For percutaneously placed neurostimulator systems (63650, 63661, 63663), the

contacts are on a catheter-like lead. An array defines the collection of contacts that
are on one catheter.

For systems placed via an open surgical exposure (63655, 63662, 63664), the
contacts are on a plate or paddle-shaped surface.

Repair

For repair of meningocele less than 5 cm diameter, use 63700 and for larger than 5
cm diameter, use 63702. A meningocele is protrusion of the meninges through a
defect in the vertebral column.

For repair of dural/cerebrospinal fluid leak, not requiring laminectomy,

use 63707 and for repair of dural/cerebrospinal fluid leak or pseudomeningocele,
with laminectomy, use 63709.

Shunt, Spinal (CSF)

Code 63740 for creation of shunt, lumbar, subarachnoid-peritoneal, -pleural, or

other; including laminectomy.
Code 63741 for creation of shunt, lumbar, subarachnoid-peritoneal, -pleural, or
other; percutaneous, not requiring laminectomy.

Code 63744 for replacement, irrigation or revision of lumbosubarachnoid shunt.

Code 63746 for removal of entire lumbosubarachnoid shunt system without

replacement.

Extracranial Nerves, Peripheral Nerves, and Autonomic

Nervous System (64400-64999)
Introduction/Injection of Anesthetic Agent (Nerve Block),
Diagnostic or Therapeutic

Examples:

Somatic Nerves

Code 64483 for injection, anesthetic agent and/or steroid, transforaminal epidural,

with imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or CT); lumbar or sacral, single level.

Paravertebral Spinal Nerves and Branches

Code 64490 for injection(s), diagnostic or therapeutic agent, paravertebral facet

(zygapophyseal) joint (or nerves innervating that joint) with image guidance
(fluoroscopy or CT), cervical or thoracic; single level.

Autonomic Nerves

Code 64505 for injection, anesthetic agent; sphenopalatine ganglion.

37-year-old has multilevel lumbar degenerative disc disease and is coming in for an
epidural injection. Localizing the skin over the area of L5-S1, the physician uses the
transforaminal approach. The spinal needle is inserted, and the patient experienced
paresthesias into her left lower extremities. The anesthetic drug is injected into the
epidural space. What CPT® code(s) is/are reported for this procedure?

a. 64483, 64484

b. 64493

c. 64493, 64494

d. 64483

Neurostimulators (Peripheral Nerve)

Examples:

Code 64550 for application of surface (transcutaneous) neurostimulator.

Code 64553 for percutaneous implantation of neurostimulator electrode array;

cranial nerve and 64555 for peripheral nerve (excludes sacral nerve).

Code 64568 for incision for implantation of cranial nerve (e.g., vagus nerve)

neurostimulator electrode array and pulse generator. Code 64570 is for removal.

Destruction by Neurolytic Agent (e.g., Chemical, Thermal,

Electrical or Radiofrequency), Chemodenervation

Examples:

Somatic Nerves

Code 64600 for destruction by neurolytic agent, trigeminal nerve; supraorbital,

infraorbital, mental, or inferior alveolar branch.

Sympathetic Nerves

Code 64650 for chemodenervation of eccrine glands; both axillae.

Nervous System Example: #1

CPT code for injection of an anesthetic agent into the greater

occipital nerve.

a) 64400
b) 64402
c) 64405
d) 64408

Check Answer

Answer: C 

Nervous System Example: #2

CPT code for repair of a cerebrospinal fluid leak with

laminectomy.

a) 63700
b) 63706
c) 63707
d) 63709

Check Answer

Answer: D 
Nervous System Example: #3

CPT code for laminectomy for biopsy of intraspinal neoplasm,

intradural, intramedullary, cervical.

a) 63285
b) 63286
c) 63287
d) 63290

Check Answer

Answer: A 

Nervous System Example: #4

CPT code for percutaneous implantation of neurostimulator

electrode array, cranial nerve.

a) 64553
b) 64555
c) 64550
d) 64568

Check Answer

Answer: A 
Nervous System Example: #5

CPT code for chemodenervation of one extremity, 3 nerves,

for cerebral palsy.

a) 64620
b) 64632
c) 64642
d) 64640

Check Answer

Answer: C 

Nervous System Example: #6

CPT code for surgery of a complex infratentorial

arteriovenous malformation.

a) 61680
b) 61682
c) 61684
d) 61686

Check Answer

Answer: D 

Nervous System Example: #7

CPT code for stereotactic aspiration of an intracranial lesion.

a) 61720
b) 61735
c) 61750
d) 61751
 Check Answer

Answer: C 

Nervous System Example: #8

Add-on code for ligation without repair of the carotid artery in

cavernous sinus.

a) +61609
b) +61610
c) +61611
d) +61612

Check Answer

Answer: A 

Nervous System Example: #9

CPT code for excision of an extradural vascular lesion of the

midline skull base.

a) 61605
b) 61606
c) 61607
d) 61608

Check Answer

Answer: C 

Nervous System Example: #10

CPT code for craniectomy with excision of a bone tumor of

the skull.

a) 61490
b) 61500
 c) 61501
d) 61512

Check Answer

Answer: B 

Nervous System Example: #11

CPT code for percutaneous aspiration of a spinal cord cyst.

a) 62267
b) 62268
c) 62269
d) 62270

Check Answer

Answer: B 

Nervous System Example: #12

CPT code for epidural injection of iced saline solution in the

lumbar spine.

a) 62280
b) 62281
c) 62282
d) 62284

Check Answer

Answer: C 

Nervous System Example: #13

A surgeon performs a partial verterbral body resection using a

 transthoracic approach with decompression of the nerve root
on two thoracic segments. Code the procedure(s).

a) 63081, 63082
b) 63085 x2
c) 63085, 63086
d) 63087, 63088

Check Answer

Answer: C 

Nervous System Example: #14

CPT code for laminotomy with decompression of nerve and

excision of herniated intervertebral disc, 1 interspace, cervical.

a) 63020
b) 63020, 62287
c) 63030
d) 63040

Check Answer

Answer: A 

Nervous System Example: #15

CPT code for diagnostic lumbar spinal puncture.

a) 62270
b) 62272
c) 62273
d) 62280

Check Answer

Answer: A 
Nervous System Example: #16

CPT code for craniectomy or craniotomy for evacuation of

hematoma, infratentorial; intracerebellar.

a) 61312
b) 61313
c) 61314
d) 61315

Check Answer

Answer: D 

Nervous System Example: #17

Which of the following describes the repair, biopsy, resection,

or excision of various lesions of the skull base and, when
appropriate, the primary closure of the dura, mucous
membranes, and skin?

a) Approach procedure
b) Definitive procedure
c) Repair/reconstruction procedure
d) Closure procedure

Check Answer

Answer: B 

Nervous System Example: #18

CPT code for laminectomy for excision of intraspinal lesion

other than neoplasm, intradural; sacral.

a) 63270
b) 63271
 c) 63272
d) 63273

Check Answer

Answer: D 

Nervous System Example: #19

For codes 63075-63091, when two surgeons work together as

primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a spinal cord
exploration/decompression operation, each surgeon should
report his or her distinct operative work by appending what
modifier to the procedure code?

a) 62
b) 66
c) 80
d) 82

Check Answer

Answer: A 

Nervous System Example: #20

CPT code for chemodenervation of muscles innervated by

facial, trigeminal, cervical spinal and accessory nerves,
bilateral, for a patient with chronic migraine.

a) 64615
b) 64640
c) 64650
d) 64653

Check Answer

Answer: A