61000 Remove cranial cavity fluid
Also known as: ventricular tap, lateral ventricle puncture, intraventricular aspiration
Percutaneous needle aspiration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the lateral ventricle(s) of the brain, performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Clinical Context
Performed for diagnosis of ventriculitis, obturation of communicating hydrocephalus, therapeutic CSF drainage, or drug administration. Often emergency procedure for symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure from acute obstructive hydrocephalus.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.54 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 1.15 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.64 |
| Total RVU | 3.33 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Specialties
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.