61500 Craniectomy excision tumor/bone lesion skull
Also known as: skull tumor resection, bone lesion excision, cranial bone tumor removal
Craniotomy or craniectomy with excision of tumor or bone lesion of the skull, including external and internal bone removal.
In Plain Language
surgical opening to remove skull tumor or bone lesion
Clinical Context
Performed for skull base tumors, bone tumors (osteoma, meningioma, etc.), traumatic bone defects, or congenital abnormalities requiring excision. Provides access for full-thickness skull resection.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 18.70 |
| Total RVU | 18.70 |
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 18.70, 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 61500?
CPT 61500 (Craniectomy excision tumor/bone lesion skull) is a Surgery code. Craniotomy or craniectomy with excision of tumor or bone lesion of the skull, including external and internal bone removal.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61500?
The work RVU for CPT 61500 is 18.70. This code is primarily used by neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, surgical oncology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61500 used?
Performed for skull base tumors, bone tumors (osteoma, meningioma, etc.), traumatic bone defects, or congenital abnormalities requiring excision. Provides access for full-thickness skull resection.
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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.