AI and automation are changing the medical coding and billing landscape faster than you can say "CPT code." But don't worry, we're here to help navigate this new frontier! What do you call it when a medical coder gets lost in a sea of codes? They get... lost in translation! ???? Here's the deal: This post will help you better understand CPT code 62365 for removing subcutaneous reservoirs or pumps. Let's dive in!

What is the correct code for removal of subcutaneous reservoir or pump?

This article will provide you with information about CPT code 62365, which is used for the removal of subcutaneous reservoir or pump. This code is used in medical coding, which is the process of transforming medical diagnoses, procedures, and other healthcare services into standardized codes. Medical coders use these codes to ensure proper billing and reimbursement for healthcare providers. They also use these codes to track data and measure healthcare performance. The field of medical coding can be complicated and demands constant professional development for all coding professionals, as every year there are updates to these codes.

It is extremely important to remember that the information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the latest CPT codes from the American Medical Association (AMA). The use of CPT codes for professional medical coding services without a proper license from the AMA may lead to legal complications, penalties, and financial losses. It is crucial for coders to remain compliant with regulations by acquiring a license from the AMA and using the most up-to-date CPT codes from the AMA website. Doing so ensures accurate medical billing and legal compliance, preventing any legal or financial repercussions.

Why is using correct code essential?

It is essential to use the correct code for a given procedure to ensure proper reimbursement for the provider. This means that the correct code should be used in every case, whether it's for billing purposes or for tracking data and performance. You can only use updated CPT codes purchased from the AMA for proper usage. This is critical, as it safeguards against financial loss and upholds compliance with applicable regulations.

Use cases

Now, let's delve into the use cases for CPT code 62365 with its associated modifiers, for removing subcutaneous reservoir or pump. Each story will illustrate a situation that arises in real life.

Case 1 - Using CPT Code 62365 without Modifiers

Imagine a patient who is experiencing a pain in the back that is associated with a previous spinal fusion surgery. The patient has been using a reservoir that was placed in their spine for pain management with medication through a pump. The reservoir was placed under the skin of the back during the spinal surgery, with a catheter placed into the epidural space of the spine.

The patient returns for a follow-up consultation and reports pain in their back, but says that their pain is being properly controlled with their reservoir pump. But, during the check up, the patient states a complaint of localized swelling around the reservoir. Upon examination, it seems there might be an infection of the reservoir itself. A surgical removal of the reservoir would be indicated in this scenario. It will likely be removed completely. If the catheter is not infected and needs to be kept in, the patient would require another separate procedure to replace the reservoir. We'll discuss that in later use case scenarios.

Since the patient will have their reservoir removed under anesthesia, the coder would need to determine what type of anesthesia is used by the doctor in the surgery.

If the doctor only uses local anesthesia, they may select CPT code 62365 without any modifier. But, if the doctor decides to perform the procedure under general anesthesia, a specific modifier, which can be found in AMA's CPT book or their online platform for licensing users, should be added to indicate that general anesthesia was used. This is to correctly reflect the complexity and cost associated with using general anesthesia.

Case 2 - Using Modifier 51 for Multiple Procedures

Let's GO back to the patient that has had surgery for spinal fusion. What if they didn't just require a reservoir removal, but needed another additional surgical procedure as well?

If the patient requires removal of the reservoir AND the replacement of their old catheter with a new one, this means the patient is undergoing two separate surgical procedures. In this instance, we would use modifier 51, "Multiple Procedures." The surgeon will likely use local or general anesthesia during the procedure.

This modifier would be used in the case of multiple procedures performed on the same day, on the same patient. By adding this modifier to code 62365, the coder can correctly reflect that multiple procedures were performed, so there are increased expenses.

Case 3 - Using Modifier 22 for Increased Procedural Services

Imagine the same patient returns for a second visit for reservoir removal and they were again experiencing difficulties. Now, the situation has changed. During this surgery, the doctor faces additional complications like difficult access to the reservoir due to heavy scar tissue around the implant and must GO through a different access method. We can assume they will also require a more extensive procedure to ensure the catheter is completely free of the reservoir. It might require more tissue and ligament cutting in order to safely remove it.

If the provider believes they performed increased procedural services during the removal, this could be denoted using modifier 22, "Increased Procedural Services." This indicates that the procedure was more complex and required greater expertise compared to the standard procedure. It was also associated with an increase in procedural services, meaning there is an associated cost associated with it. If we know the surgeon performed the removal under general anesthesia, a modifier will need to be attached to indicate this is happening. It might also require another modifier if another procedure needs to be performed.

Case 4 - Using Modifier 76 for Repeat Procedure

Imagine that, once again, the same patient decides to try again with their back pain. This time, a few years after the last procedure, the doctor is concerned about a potentially reoccurring issue. Let's say they found a very small infection around the site, so they removed the reservoir in another procedure and re-inserted it back into the epidural space.

As they decided to repeat the entire procedure and replace the reservoir, this indicates that a "Repeat Procedure" took place, as it was an exact repeat of the previous procedure. To signal this, modifier 76, "Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional," will be used in conjunction with CPT code 62365, "Removal of subcutaneous reservoir or pump." A coder would select this specific modifier based on information in the patient's records, such as documentation by the doctor on whether it was the same or a different doctor who did this procedure.

This modifier is used to communicate that a previously completed procedure was performed again. It can signify a procedure repeated at a different hospital or clinical practice. Adding this modifier makes the coder aware of a previous procedure. If the patient had not undergone previous procedures or treatments, this modifier will not be used. It also reflects the increased amount of time and skill necessary for performing the repeat procedure, as compared to the initial one.

As you see, selecting the proper code can significantly affect the physician's payment for this particular surgical procedure.

Learn how to accurately code for the removal of subcutaneous reservoirs or pumps with CPT code 62365. This article explores different use cases and modifiers like 51, 22, and 76, essential for ensuring proper billing and compliance. Discover the importance of using the correct code and the potential implications of using outdated codes. Learn how AI and automation can streamline medical coding workflows and improve accuracy.

CPT Code 62365: How to Code for Removal of Subcutaneous Reservoir or Pump