61020 Remove brain cavity fluid
Also known as: ventricular puncture, ventricular tap, ventriculocentesis
Percutaneous puncture of the brain ventricles for aspiration or removal of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
In Plain Language
drainage of brain fluid; needle tap of brain cavity
Clinical Context
Performed for diagnosis of ventriculitis, management of hydrocephalus, therapeutic CSF drainage, or administration of intrathecal medications. Emergency procedure for acute hydrocephalus with neurologic compromise.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.47 |
| Total RVU | 1.47 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.47, this code ranks in the 9th percentile among Surgery codes — 5.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61020?
CPT 61020 (Remove brain cavity fluid) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous puncture of the brain ventricles for aspiration or removal of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61020?
The work RVU for CPT 61020 is 1.47. This code is primarily used by neurosurgery, critical care medicine, neuroradiology.
When is CPT 61020 used?
Performed for diagnosis of ventriculitis, management of hydrocephalus, therapeutic CSF drainage, or administration of intrathecal medications. Emergency procedure for acute hydrocephalus with neurologic compromise.
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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.