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.
In Plain Language
brain fluid drainage tube placement; hydrocephalus treatment surgery
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 |
| Total RVU | 0.87 |
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 0.87, this code ranks in the 3rd percentile among Surgery codes — 9.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61070?
CPT 61070 (Brain canal shunt procedure) is a Surgery code. Insertion of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) or other cerebrospinal fluid shunt system to manage hydrocephalus by diverting excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain ventricles.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61070?
The work RVU for CPT 61070 is 0.87. This code is primarily used by neurosurgery, pediatric neurosurgery.
When is CPT 61070 used?
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.
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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.