Stereotactic Navigation and Microscope

Question:

Our provider performed a craniotomy for 2 separate lesions, one parietal and one occipital, through two separate craniotomy exposures. Stereotactic navigation and the operating microscope were needed for both resections. We are coding for the separate lesions as 61510, 61510-59, but can we also bill 61781 and 69990 twice with modifier 59 since they were needed for each separate lesion? 

Answer:

 No, stereotactic navigation and the microscope can each only be billed once per operative session. 

*This response is based on the best information available as of 2/13/25.