61001 Remove cranial cavity fluid
Also known as: cranial aspiration, brain puncture, needle aspiration of brain
Percutaneous needle aspiration or injection procedure in the cranial cavity, including puncture of brain tissue for diagnostic purposes or therapeutic agent administration.
Clinical Context
Used for diagnostic biopsy, evaluation of suspected infection or hemorrhage, CSF sampling, or therapeutic injection of medications. Requires precise stereotactic or ultrasound guidance for safety.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.45 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 1.12 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.60 |
| Total RVU | 3.17 |
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.