February 14, 2019

Question:
I placed the peritoneal catheter for a neurosurgeon placing a V-P shunt. Do I code 49419, insertion of peritoneal catheter?

Answer:
No, you are a co-surgeon with the neurosurgeon. Code 62223, creation of a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, include both the neurosurgeon’s portion of placing the ventricular catheter and your portion of placing the peritoneal catheter. Both surgeon will report 62223-62.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 2/14/19.