Q & A with Dr. Z: Bilateral Chronic Subdural Hematoma

By David Zielske, MD, CIRCC, COC, CCVTC, CCC, CCS, RCC|2026-04-10T09:52:23-04:00April 10th, 2026|Coders' Corner|0 Comments

Question:
With the middle meningeal artery on opposite sides of the head, are these two separate surgical areas? Are codes 61624 and 61624-59 appropriate? We recently had the same procedure done bilateral for acute subarachnoid bleed.

Answer:
Absolutely. Three surgical sites for the brain, right and left cerebral hemispheres and the posterior fossa. Bilateral subdurals are right and left cerebral hemispheres. Report the catheter placements (or diagnostic imaging) and CNS embolization code 61624 x 2.

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About the Author: David Zielske, MD, CIRCC, COC, CCVTC, CCC, CCS, RCC

David Zielske is founder and President of ZHealth Publishing and primary author and editor of ZHealth publications. Dr. Z practiced as an interventional radiologist and has over twenty years experience as a coding reviewer and coding expert. He is Board Certified in Radiology and has functioned as an independent interventional radiology, vascular surgery, and cardiovascular coding consultant to a variety of physician groups and hospital providers across the country. He also served as an instructor for over 200 coding seminars. Dr. Zielske can be reached at davidz@ZHealthConsulting.com.

Q & A with Dr. Z: Bilateral Chronic Subdural Hematoma