61530 Removal of brain lesion
Also known as: posterior fossa tumor resection, infratentorial tumor removal
Craniotomy or craniectomy with removal of intracranial mass lesion from infratentorial (posterior fossa) location.
In Plain Language
surgical opening to remove lower brain tumor
Clinical Context
Performed for infratentorial tumors (brainstem gliomas, cerebellar astrocytomas, fourth ventricle tumors, etc.). More technically challenging than supratentorial surgery due to proximity to vital structures.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 44.42 |
| Total RVU | 44.42 |
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 44.42, this code ranks in the 98th percentile among Surgery codes — 5.6x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61530?
CPT 61530 (Removal of brain lesion) is a Surgery code. Craniotomy or craniectomy with removal of intracranial mass lesion from infratentorial (posterior fossa) location.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61530?
The work RVU for CPT 61530 is 44.42. This code is primarily used by neurosurgery, surgical oncology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61530 used?
Performed for infratentorial tumors (brainstem gliomas, cerebellar astrocytomas, fourth ventricle tumors, etc.). More technically challenging than supratentorial surgery due to proximity to vital structures.
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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.