Computer-assisted procedures

Applies to:

  • Commercial
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid

Definition

Computer-assisted surgery (CAS) is a surgical concept and set of methods that use computer technology for surgical planning and to assist in navigation during, or to perform, surgery. CAS is also known as computer-aided surgery, computer-assisted intervention, image-guided surgery and surgical navigation.

Medical policy

Policy-specific information 

When an add-on code is for technologies or devices used to enhance the safety, accuracy, and efficiency of a procedure, Priority Health makes no additional payment for these codes.

Reimbursement is made for the primary surgical procedure. Services reported with CPT codes below are considered part of the primary procedure and won't be reimbursed separately. This list is not all inclusive. 

  • 61781: Stereotactic computer-assisted (navigational) procedure; cranial, intradural (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
  • 61782: Stereotactic computer-assisted (navigational) procedure; cranial, extradural (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
  • 61783: Stereotactic computer-assisted (navigational) procedure; spinal (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
  • 20985: Computer-assisted surgical navigational procedure for musculoskeletal procedures, image-less (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
  • 0054T: Computer-Assisted Musculoskeletal Surgical Navigational Orthopedic Procedure Guidance Based On Fluroscopic Images (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
  • 0055T: Computer-Assisted Musculoskeletal Surgical Navigational Orthopedic Procedure Guidance Based On CT/MRI Images (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
  • S2900: Surgical techniques requiring use of robotic surgical system (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)