61055 Injection into brain canal
Also known as: brain injection, intrathecal injection, parenchymal injection
Percutaneous needle injection into the brain parenchyma or cerebrospinal fluid spaces for therapeutic medication administration, contrast injection, or other therapeutic purposes.
In Plain Language
injection of medication directly into brain; therapeutic brain injection
Clinical Context
Used for intrathecal drug delivery, contrast injection for imaging, or therapeutic agents for brain conditions. Typically performed stereotactically or with image guidance to target specific brain regions or ventricles.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.05 |
| Total RVU | 2.05 |
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 2.05, this code ranks in the 14th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.9x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61055?
CPT 61055 (Injection into brain canal) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous needle injection into the brain parenchyma or cerebrospinal fluid spaces for therapeutic medication administration, contrast injection, or other therapeutic purposes.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61055?
The work RVU for CPT 61055 is 2.05. This code is primarily used by neurosurgery, neuroradiology, pain management.
When is CPT 61055 used?
Used for intrathecal drug delivery, contrast injection for imaging, or therapeutic agents for brain conditions. Typically performed stereotactically or with image guidance to target specific brain regions or ventricles.
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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.