61151 Burr hole/treph sbsq tapping
Also known as: repeated burr hole tap, burr hole re-tapping, subsequent drainage
Burr hole and/or trephination with subsequent or repeated aspiration or tapping of intracranial fluid collection (hematoma, abscess, cyst) for drainage.
In Plain Language
repeat drainage through brain hole; multiple drainage procedures through same hole
Clinical Context
Used when initial burr hole drainage is insufficient and recurrent fluid collection requires additional drainage. Avoids creating new burr holes; can be performed serially for persistent collections.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 13.15 |
| Total RVU | 13.15 |
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 13.15, this code ranks in the 68th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.6x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61151?
CPT 61151 (Burr hole/treph sbsq tapping) is a Surgery code. Burr hole and/or trephination with subsequent or repeated aspiration or tapping of intracranial fluid collection (hematoma, abscess, cyst) for drainage.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61151?
The work RVU for CPT 61151 is 13.15. This code is primarily used by neurosurgery, critical care medicine. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61151 used?
Used when initial burr hole drainage is insufficient and recurrent fluid collection requires additional drainage. Avoids creating new burr holes; can be performed serially for persistent collections.
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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.