61516 Craniectomy treph excision cyst sttl
Also known as: brain cyst resection, arachnoid cyst excision
Craniotomy or craniectomy with excision of brain cyst (arachnoid, porencephalic, or other) from supratentorial location.
In Plain Language
surgical opening to remove brain cyst
Clinical Context
Performed for symptomatic brain cysts causing mass effect, headaches, or seizures. Most common are arachnoid cysts and porencephalic cysts. Drainage or marsupialization sometimes sufficient.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 25.92 |
| Total RVU | 25.92 |
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 25.92, this code ranks in the 90th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.2x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61516?
CPT 61516 (Craniectomy treph excision cyst sttl) is a Surgery code. Craniotomy or craniectomy with excision of brain cyst (arachnoid, porencephalic, or other) from supratentorial location.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61516?
The work RVU for CPT 61516 is 25.92. This code is primarily used by neurosurgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61516 used?
Performed for symptomatic brain cysts causing mass effect, headaches, or seizures. Most common are arachnoid cysts and porencephalic cysts. Drainage or marsupialization sometimes sufficient.
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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.