61150 Bur hol/trph drainage brn abs/cyst
Also known as: burr hole abscess drainage, brain abscess drainage
Burr hole and/or trephination with evacuation and drainage of brain abscess or other intracranial fluid collection (cyst, hematoma).
In Plain Language
small skull opening to drain brain infection; brain abscess drainage surgery
Clinical Context
Used for symptomatic brain abscesses, particularly those not amenable to percutaneous drainage. Can be diagnostic (culture and drainage) or therapeutic (decompression and source control).
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 18.43 |
| Total RVU | 18.43 |
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 18.43, this code ranks in the 80th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.3x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61150?
CPT 61150 (Bur hol/trph drainage brn abs/cyst) is a Surgery code. Burr hole and/or trephination with evacuation and drainage of brain abscess or other intracranial fluid collection (cyst, hematoma).
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61150?
The work RVU for CPT 61150 is 18.43. This code is primarily used by neurosurgery, critical care medicine. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61150 used?
Used for symptomatic brain abscesses, particularly those not amenable to percutaneous drainage. Can be diagnostic (culture and drainage) or therapeutic (decompression and source control).
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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.