61253 Burr hole treph ittl uni/bi
Also known as: burr hole posterior fossa exploration, infratentorial exploration
Burr hole and/or trephination with exploration of the intratentorial space (posterior fossa) unilaterally or bilaterally for diagnostic evaluation.
In Plain Language
small skull opening to examine lower brain; posterior fossa exploration
Clinical Context
Performed for posterior fossa lesions, brainstem pathology, cerebellar hemorrhage, or posterior fossa mass evaluation. Can be unilateral for mass lesions or bilateral for diffuse processes.
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 61253?
CPT 61253 (Burr hole treph ittl uni/bi) is a Surgery code. Burr hole and/or trephination with exploration of the intratentorial space (posterior fossa) unilaterally or bilaterally for diagnostic evaluation.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61253?
The work RVU for CPT 61253 is 13.15. This code is primarily used by neurosurgery, neuroradiology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61253 used?
Performed for posterior fossa lesions, brainstem pathology, cerebellar hemorrhage, or posterior fossa mass evaluation. Can be unilateral for mass lesions or bilateral for diffuse processes.
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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.