61050 Remove brain canal fluid
Also known as: brain aspiration, parenchymal puncture, brain tissue aspiration
Percutaneous needle aspiration of the brain's cerebrospinal fluid through puncture of the brain parenchyma for diagnostic sampling or therapeutic drainage.
Clinical Context
Rarely performed due to risk of brain injury; primarily reserved for diagnosis of diffuse CNS infection or suspected abscess when other routes unavailable. Requires image guidance for safety.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.47 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 0.46 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.14 |
| Total RVU | 2.07 |
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.