AMA CPT® Assistant - 2011 Issue 7 (July)
Stereotactic Computer-Assisted (Navigational) Procedures (July 2011)
July 2011 pages 12-13 Stereotactic Computer-Assisted (Navigational) Procedures Prior to 2011, CPT code 61795 was reported as an add-on code when medically necessary for all stereotactic computer-assisted volumetric (navigational) procedures whether intracranial, extracranial, or spinal. Stereotactic computer-assisted (navigational) technology has been used for over a decade in these applications. However, because no other codes existed to report these services, code 61795 was used to report all computer-assisted volumetric (navigational) procedures. Many of the services were performed in different anatomic areas, with physician work required for each application. The techniques involved in using stereotaxis intraoperatively varied depending the primary procedure...
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Article Overview
This CPT Assistant article explains the 2011 update that separated stereotactic computer-assisted navigation reporting into distinct anatomic-region codes and discusses the general documentation, applicability, and reporting context for those services. It is intended for coders, billing staff, and clinicians who need to understand how the CPT 2011 changes affected navigational procedures used in neurosurgery, otolaryngology, and spine care.
Why This Topic Matters
The article helps readers understand a significant CPT code revision affecting how navigation services are categorized and reported across multiple specialties. It is useful for identifying whether a case involves a service area addressed by the 2011 changes and for understanding the broader documentation expectations associated with those services.
Article Sections
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July 2011 pages 12-13
Publication context for the article content and the CPT Assistant issue date.
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Stereotactic Computer-Assisted (Navigational) Procedures
Overview of the topic, including the 2011 code update and the general scope of stereotactic navigation services across anatomic regions.
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New Codes
Discussion of the new CPT code structure, general service categories, and add-on reporting context for the updated navigation codes.
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Coding Tip
A brief coding note addressing related navigation reporting considerations within the article's scope.
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Commonly Asked Questions
A question-and-answer section covering documentation themes, general use cases, specialties, reporting frequency, and other broad implementation issues.
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References
Source citations and publication references supporting the article.
What You Will Learn
- How the 2011 CPT update reorganized stereotactic computer-assisted navigation reporting
- What broad clinical areas are associated with the updated navigation services
- What kinds of documentation themes are discussed for these services
- Which specialties commonly encounter these services
- What general reporting context is addressed for add-on navigation procedures
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing staff
- Physicians
- Neurosurgeons
- Otolaryngologists
- Orthopedists
- Spine surgeons
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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