61120 Burr hole for ventr puncture
Also known as: burr hole ventricular puncture, ventricular tap via burr hole
Burr hole creation in the skull followed by ventricular puncture for sampling, drainage, or therapeutic intervention in the lateral ventricles.
In Plain Language
small skull opening for brain fluid tap; brain ventricle drainage
Clinical Context
Performed for diagnostic sampling in suspected ventriculitis, measurement of intracranial pressure, or therapeutic drainage in hydrocephalus when percutaneous access unavailable or unsuccessful.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 9.36 |
| Total RVU | 9.36 |
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 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 9.36, this code ranks in the 56th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.2x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61120?
CPT 61120 (Burr hole for ventr puncture) is a Surgery code. Burr hole creation in the skull followed by ventricular puncture for sampling, drainage, or therapeutic intervention in the lateral ventricles.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61120?
The work RVU for CPT 61120 is 9.36. This code is primarily used by neurosurgery, neuroradiology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61120 used?
Performed for diagnostic sampling in suspected ventriculitis, measurement of intracranial pressure, or therapeutic drainage in hydrocephalus when percutaneous access unavailable or unsuccessful.
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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.