61070 Brain canal shunt procedure
Also known as: VP shunt placement, ventriculoperitoneal shunt, CSF shunt insertion
Insertion of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) or other cerebrospinal fluid shunt system to manage hydrocephalus by diverting excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain ventricles.
Clinical Context
Performed for hydrocephalus from various causes including obstructive lesions, communicating hydrocephalus, or post-traumatic hydrocephalus. VP shunt drains CSF to peritoneal cavity where it is absorbed. Common lifelong complication rate includes malfunction requiring revision.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.87 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 0.52 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.15 |
| Total RVU | 1.54 |
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.