Coding Bilateral Percutaneously Placed Spinal Cord Stimulator Electrodes

Question:

If bilateral spinal electrode are placed percutaneously, 63650, can both be reported?

Answer:

Yes, if two electrodes are placed, bilaterally, both may be reported.  See the CPT guidelines below.

Reference: CPT Assistant June 1998

Codes 63650, 63655, and 63660 each describe the placement, revision, or removal of only one electrode catheter or electrode plate/paddle. Placement of any additional electrode catheter(s) or plate(s)/paddle(s) should be separately reported by appending the modifier -51 to the appropriate code.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 12/05/19.