AMA CPT® Assistant - 2010 Issue 8 (August)
Pain Medicine Clarification (August 2010)
August 2010 page 8 Pain Medicine Clarification In the February 2010 CPT Assistant article on pain medicine, the first complete paragraph read: The guidelines also indicate that CPT codes 63661 or 63663 should not be reported when removing or replacing a temporary percutaneously placed array for an external generator. The replacement of a temporary placed array(s) with a permanent array or paddle is included in the insertion procedure and is not separately reportable. If the temporary array is removed without permantent placement, it is a subsequent Evaluation and Management (E/M) sersvice, which is typically within the global period of...
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Article Overview
This premium article explains how a CPT Assistant clarification addresses pain medicine coding for spinal neurostimulator procedures. It is aimed at coders, billing staff, and clinicians who need to understand the article’s discussion of trial placement, removal, revision, related fluoroscopic guidance, and modifier usage in relation to CPT guidance and payer policy considerations.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate reporting of neurostimulator electrode procedures depends on understanding how the clarification distinguishes trial, removal, and revision scenarios. The article helps readers interpret the scope of CPT guidance and recognize where payer rules and global period considerations may affect reporting.
Article Sections
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Clarification Overview
Introduces the purpose of the clarification and the main CPT pain medicine topics addressed in the article. It sets up the procedural scenarios discussed later.
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Percutaneous Temporary Trial Electrode Insertion
Discusses the temporary trial phase for spinal neurostimulator placement and the general reporting context for the initial procedure. It also includes a coding tip about related guidance.
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Percutaneous Temporary Trial Electrode Removal with Permanent Electrode Insertion
Covers the sequence in which a temporary trial device is removed and a permanent system is placed. It also notes the related discussion of modifier use and coding considerations.
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Use of Codes 63661, 63662, 63663, and 63664
Summarizes the article’s later discussion of the newer removal and revision concepts for spinal neurostimulator electrode systems. It focuses on how the article frames these scenarios in relation to prior placements.
What You Will Learn
- The general scope of CPT guidance for pain medicine neurostimulator procedures.
- How the article organizes temporary trial, removal, and revision scenarios.
- Where fluoroscopic guidance and modifier-related discussion appear in the clarification.
- How the article relates its discussion to payer and postoperative period considerations.
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing specialists
- Compliance staff
- Pain management clinicians
- Revenue cycle teams
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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