Which CPT code is used for removal of a complete cerebrospinal fluid shunt system?

Which CPT code is used for removal of a complete cerebrospinal fluid shunt system?

• A. 62258
• B. 62011
• C. 62350
• D. 62256

Answer: (D)

Removing a complete cerebrospinal fluid shunt system is coded as a removal procedure. In CPT, removal and insertion of a shunt are handled with different codes, so you use the removal code when the surgeon takes out the entire shunt hardware (proximal catheter, valve, and distal catheter) without placing a new shunt in that same operation. This is why 62256 is the best choice here—it directly represents removing the full shunt assembly. If a new shunt were placed in the same operation, you’d report the removal code plus an insertion or revision code for the new shunt. The other codes correspond to shunt insertion or to procedures not describing removal of the entire shunt system, so they don’t fit this scenario.

Removing a complete cerebrospinal fluid shunt system is coded as a removal procedure. In CPT, removal and insertion of a shunt are handled with different codes, so you use the removal code when the surgeon takes out the entire shunt hardware (proximal catheter, valve, and distal catheter) without placing a new shunt in that same operation. This is why 62256 is the best choice here—it directly represents removing the full shunt assembly. If a new shunt were placed in the same operation, you’d report the removal code plus an insertion or revision code for the new shunt. The other codes correspond to shunt insertion or to procedures not describing removal of the entire shunt system, so they don’t fit this scenario.