DBS Battery Replacement

Question:

When our doctors replace a DBS generator because the battery is depleted and they reprogram at the same time, we can bill for the programming, correct?

Answer:

Yes, you can code for the generator replacement using 61885 (or 61886 if the two leads – right and left – are connected to one battery).  You can also code 95983 if the reprogramming is truly performed by the surgeon (and not a company rep) and the parameters programmed to are documented (e.g., amplitude, pulse width, frequency [Hz], on/off cycling, burst, magnet mode, dose lockout, patient selectable parameters, responsive neurostimulation).  The surgeon must do the programming him/herself – not the vendor rep – and document the actual parameters in order for the neurosurgeon to bill for the programming.

Note that the DBS programming codes changed in 2019.  The old codes, 95978 and +95979, were deleted. The new codes are:

95983

Electronic analysis of implanted neurostimulator pulse generator/transmitter (eg, contact group[s], interleaving, amplitude, pulse width, frequency [Hz], on/off cycling, burst, magnet mode, dose lockout, patient selectable parameters, responsive neurostimulation, detection algorithms, closed loop parameters, and passive parameters) by physician or other qualified health care professional; with brain neurostimulator pulse generator/transmitter programming, first 15 minutes face-to-face time with physician or other qualified health care professional

+95984

with brain neurostimulator pulse generator/transmitter programming, each additional 15 minutes face-to-face time with physician or other qualified health care professional (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

The old codes were for a time frame of an hour whereas the new codes are now in 15 minute increments.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 07/25/19.