October 29, 2020

Question:
We are doing a combined case with the neurosurgeon and are not sure how to code it. The patient has a semi-circular canal dehiscence of the temporal bone. I am going to do the approach and the neurosurgeon will repair the defect with local bone. We will use mesh to reconstruct the cranial defect for closure. How do we code this procedure?

Answer:
It is difficult to provide exact CPT codes unless we see an operative note. That said, there is not a code for this exact procedure. An unlisted code will likely be necessary. Another thought is to use the exploratory craniotomy code, 61304, with modifier 62 (two surgeons).

*This response is based on the best information available as of 10/29/20.