61501 Craniectomy f/osteomyelitis
Also known as: skull osteomyelitis debridement, infected bone removal
Craniotomy or craniectomy performed for removal of bone and/or debridement of infected bone (osteomyelitis) of the skull.
In Plain Language
surgical opening to remove infected bone
Clinical Context
Performed for acute or chronic osteomyelitis of skull bones with abscess formation, necrotic bone, or exposed dura. Requires adequate debridement and irrigation for infection control.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 15.94 |
| Total RVU | 15.94 |
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 15.94, this code ranks in the 75th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.0x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61501?
CPT 61501 (Craniectomy f/osteomyelitis) is a Surgery code. Craniotomy or craniectomy performed for removal of bone and/or debridement of infected bone (osteomyelitis) of the skull.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61501?
The work RVU for CPT 61501 is 15.94. This code is primarily used by neurosurgery, infectious disease surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61501 used?
Performed for acute or chronic osteomyelitis of skull bones with abscess formation, necrotic bone, or exposed dura. Requires adequate debridement and irrigation for infection 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.