61524 Removal of brain lesion
Also known as: brain lesion resection, AVM resection, vascular lesion removal
Craniotomy or craniectomy with removal of brain lesion(s) from supratentorial location, potentially including arteriovenous malformations or other vascular lesions.
In Plain Language
surgical opening to remove brain abnormality
Clinical Context
Performed for various supratentorial brain lesions including cavernous malformations, venous anomalies, or other lesions requiring selective microsurgical resection.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 29.14 |
| Total RVU | 29.14 |
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 29.14, this code ranks in the 92nd percentile among Surgery codes — 3.6x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61524?
CPT 61524 (Removal of brain lesion) is a Surgery code. Craniotomy or craniectomy with removal of brain lesion(s) from supratentorial location, potentially including arteriovenous malformations or other vascular lesions.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61524?
The work RVU for CPT 61524 is 29.14. This code is primarily used by neurosurgery, vascular neurosurgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61524 used?
Performed for various supratentorial brain lesions including cavernous malformations, venous anomalies, or other lesions requiring selective microsurgical 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.