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Click here for more sample CPC practice exam questions and answers with full rationale

Correct billing for a Micro implatanable Sacral Nerve Stimulator

Unique tiny sacral nerve stimulator billing question:

This is a percutaneous implantable micro stimulator device w/o battery, no leads need to be connected, no pulse generator pocket needs to be created.
Powered externally.

The device is considered to be an all-in-one, Micro implant with integrated circuit (IC) for pulse control, and electrodes, entirely assembled within a 2-mm diameter, 3.5-mm height device small enough to fit inside a catheter.

If the electrodes and the generator are all inside the device, and the physician makes an incision for insertion by an introducer needle, would we bill both the following?:
• 64561 Percutaneous implantation of neurostimulator electrode array; sacral nerve (transforaminal placement) including image guidance, if performed -and-
• 64590 Insertion or replacement of peripheral or gastric neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver, direct or inductive coupling

Basic procedure micro-implant for Sacral Nerve Stimulation:

o Physician uses scalpel to do a very small starter incision adjacent to the needle, followed by insertion of an introducer/dilator/sheath.

o Both the dilator and needle are then withdrawn providing clear access to the target anatomy just adjacent to the sacral nerve.

o All-in-one device is placed adjacent to the sacral nerve by advancing it through the sheath. Physician has the option of using fluoroscopy throughout this procedure as tooling and implant are radiopaque

Any advice is greatly appreciated!:confused:

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Correct Coding for a Micro implatanable Sacral Nerve Stimulator

Unique tiny sacral nerve stimulator billing question:

This is a percutaneous implantable micro stimulator device w/o battery, no leads need to be connected, no pulse generator pocket needs to be created.
Powered externally.

The device is considered to be an all-in-one, Micro implant with integrated circuit (IC) for pulse control, and electrodes, entirely assembled within a 2-mm diameter, 3.5-mm height device small enough to fit inside a catheter.

If the electrodes and the generator are all inside the device, and the physician makes an incision for insertion by an introducer needle, would we bill both the following?:
• 64561 Percutaneous implantation of neurostimulator electrode array; sacral nerve (transforaminal placement) including image guidance, if performed -and-
• 64590 Insertion or replacement of peripheral or gastric neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver, direct or inductive coupling

Basic procedure micro-implant for Sacral Nerve Stimulation:

o Physician uses scalpel to do a very small starter incision adjacent to the needle, followed by insertion of an introducer/dilator/sheath.

o Both the dilator and needle are then withdrawn providing clear access to the target anatomy just adjacent to the sacral nerve.

o All-in-one device is placed adjacent to the sacral nerve by advancing it through the sheath. Physician has the option of using fluoroscopy throughout this procedure as tooling and implant are radiopaque

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Sacral ulcer debridement calculation (x-post from derm)

I need clarification on how to calculate the debridement of a sacral ulcer. The surgeon did not specify the total amount of debrided tissue, but he did give the before and after wound sizes;

"Pre debridement measurements of this full-thickness stage IV ulcer were 9cm long by 8 cm wide by 4 cm deep. There was foul-smelling necrotic tissue at the superior margin and in the depth of the wound. The inferior margin was actually somewhat clean and with evidence of granulation tissue. That caudal or inferior margin was also only about 15 mm away from the anal verge. This also was then sharply debided with the Bovie such that the ultimate wound measurements were 9 cm long by now 10 cm wide by 7 cm deep. The debridement was into subcutaneous fat as well as musculature of the buttock, as well as exposed periosteum of the sacrum in several areas, but no bony debridement was done nor thought to be required as that periosteum appeared to be healthy…"

Surface area of wound before debridement: 9×8 = 72 sq cm
Surface area after debridement: 9×10 = 90 sq cm
Depth of debridement: (7-4) = 3 cm
So (90×3)-72 = 198 sq cm debrided

Am I calculating this right??

If so, I’m suing codes 11044, and 11047×9

Any insight welcome.
Thanks :)

Medical Billing and Coding Forum