VP Shunt Re-programming During a Global Period

Question:

What if we have to re-program a VP shunt during the global period because the settings need to be adjusted – can we bill for it or is it considered part of the 90-day post-operative global period?

Answer:

Good Question:. The initial shunt programming, at the time of insertion, is included in the shunt placement code (e.g., 62223). However, subsequent shunt re-programming is not included. Therefore, you may separately report 62252 (Reprogramming of programmable cerebrospinal shunt) for the shunt re-programming even if you are in a global period. You may need to append modifier 58 to 62252 as it would be anticipated re-programming is needed if the patient’s condition changed.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 8/20/20.