61531 Implant brain electrodes
Also known as: brain electrode placement, intracranial electrode implantation, epilepsy surgery prep
Craniotomy or craniectomy with implantation of electrodes for recording or stimulation of brain activity, used for seizure monitoring or functional mapping.
In Plain Language
surgical implant of recording device in brain
Clinical Context
Used for preoperative seizure localization in temporal lobe epilepsy, functional brain mapping, or deep brain stimulation for movement disorders or other conditions.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 16.00 |
| Total RVU | 16.00 |
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 16.00, 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 61531?
CPT 61531 (Implant brain electrodes) is a Surgery code. Craniotomy or craniectomy with implantation of electrodes for recording or stimulation of brain activity, used for seizure monitoring or functional mapping.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61531?
The work RVU for CPT 61531 is 16.00. This code is primarily used by neurosurgery, functional neurosurgery, epilepsy surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61531 used?
Used for preoperative seizure localization in temporal lobe epilepsy, functional brain mapping, or deep brain stimulation for movement disorders or other conditions.
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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.