CPT 0958T: Removal of Implanted Subscalp EEG Electrode Array

CPT code 0958T covers the surgical removal of a previously implanted subscalp electrode array, receiver, and telemetry unit used for continuous bilateral electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, and includes imaging guidance for explantation. This procedure is relevant nationally as implanted EEG monitoring systems are increasingly used for long-term seizure surveillance, neurophysiologic diagnostics, and treatment planning; clear coding supports accurate claims and tracking of device-related care.

Key payers in the national analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context and service settings, common billing considerations tied to device explantation procedures, and guidance on where to look for payer-specific coverage policies. The publication summarizes benchmark considerations and highlights policy updates that typically affect payment and prior authorization practices for implanted neurostimulation and monitoring devices.

This briefing helps health system revenue leaders, neurosurgical and epilepsy program managers, and coding staff understand the clinical intent of the code, typical sites of service, and the payer landscape they are most likely to encounter when billing for device explantation with imaging guidance.

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 0958T describes the removal of a previously implanted subscalp electrode array, receiver, and telemetry unit used for continuous bilateral electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring. The code indicates that the procedure includes imaging guidance used to locate and explant the implanted components.

Service type: Surgical explantation of implanted neurophysiologic monitoring hardware performed with imaging guidance.

Typical site of service: Operating room or interventional suite in an acute care hospital or ambulatory surgery center equipped for neurosurgical procedures and intraoperative imaging.

Clinical Context

A typical patient is an adult with an implanted subscalp electrode array, receiver, and telemetry unit placed for prolonged bilateral EEG monitoring to localize refractory focal seizures or for seizure characterization after noninvasive monitoring was inconclusive. The device was implanted under local or general anesthesia with imaging guidance and continuous telemetry used during an inpatient or outpatient monitoring episode. After the monitoring period is complete, the patient returns for device removal because monitoring objectives have been met, the device battery or telemetry service has ended, or complications such as infection, device extrusion, or persistent pain occur. The workflow includes pre-procedure evaluation (history, review of prior EEG data, wound assessment, and imaging review), informed consent, removal performed in an operative or procedure room with sterile technique and imaging guidance as needed, hemostasis and wound closure, post-procedure observation for bleeding or neurologic changes, and documentation of device components explanted and any intraoperative findings. Typical sites of service include an ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room, and occasionally a procedure room in an inpatient neurosurgical or epilepsy monitoring unit.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when the work required is substantially greater than usual (extensive adhesiolysis or prolonged operative time) and supported by operative note.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
2086S0400X	Neurological Surgery	Neurosurgeons commonly perform explantation when operative removal is required or complications arise.
207RC0000X	Neurology	Epileptologists or neurologists specialized in EEG management may be involved in monitoring and planning removal, though surgical removal is by a surgeon.
367500000X	Clinical Neurophysiology	Physicians with this taxonomy oversee device monitoring and interpretation; coordinate timing of explantation.
363L00000X	Physician Assistant	PAs frequently assist in perioperative and intraoperative care and may perform parts of the procedure under supervision where allowed.
363A00000X	Nurse Practitioner	NPs provide pre- and post-procedure management and may assist with procedural care per state scope.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`G40.901`	Epilepsy, unspecified, intractable, without status epilepticus	Common indication for implantation and subsequent explantation after monitoring to localize seizures.
`G40.909`	Epilepsy, unspecified, not intractable, without status epilepticus	Less severe epilepsy where monitoring may be used for characterization and device removal follows completion.
`T86.890`	Other complications of transplanted organs and tissue, not elsewhere classified	Used in some payor contexts for device-related infections or complications requiring explantation when appropriate.
`L02.91`	Cutaneous abscess, unspecified	Local scalp infection or abscess at the implant site that can necessitate removal.
`R41.840`	Attention and concentration deficit	Symptom codes sometimes documented during evaluation for implantable EEG monitoring; relevant to indication and interpretation.
`Z45.2`	Encounter for adjustment and management of implanted device	Administrative code used for encounters related to implanted device management, including explantation planning.
`Z98.890`	Other specified postprocedural states	Used to document post-implantation status and rationale for subsequent device removal when applicable.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`0375T`	Placement of subscalp electrode array, receiver, and telemetry unit for continuous bilateral EEG monitoring	This code describes the initial implantation procedure; `0958T` is the explantation counterpart.
`92626`	Evaluation of auditory evoked potentials for central auditory function and/or brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP)	Performed in select neurophysiology evaluations when additional electrophysiologic testing is needed during monitoring episodes.
`95957`	Continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring (eg, EEG) by a physician; more than one modality	Used when continuous EEG or multimodality monitoring is provided during implantation or explantation procedures.
`99070`	Supplies and materials (eg, sutures, sterile trays) provided by the physician over and above those usually included with the office visit or other services	Used to report expendable supplies required during removal that are not included in facility billing.
`96372`	Therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection (specify substance or drug); subcutaneous or intramuscular	May be used if local anesthetic or medications are administered during minor procedure settings as part of the explantation visit.

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Summary & Overview