61538 Removal of brain tissue
Also known as: extratemporal lobectomy, cortical resection, epilepsy surgery
Craniotomy or craniectomy with removal or resection of brain tissue from supratentorial location, potentially extratemporal, for seizure control or other indications.
In Plain Language
surgical removal of brain tissue outside temporal lobe
Clinical Context
Performed for extratemporal focal epilepsy (frontal, parietal, occipital) with identified seizure focus. More technically demanding than temporal lobe resection due to eloquent cortex involvement.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 38.46 |
| Total RVU | 38.46 |
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 38.46, this code ranks in the 97th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.8x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61538?
CPT 61538 (Removal of brain tissue) is a Surgery code. Craniotomy or craniectomy with removal or resection of brain tissue from supratentorial location, potentially extratemporal, for seizure control or other indications.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61538?
The work RVU for CPT 61538 is 38.46. This code is primarily used by neurosurgery, epilepsy surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61538 used?
Performed for extratemporal focal epilepsy (frontal, parietal, occipital) with identified seizure focus. More technically demanding than temporal lobe resection due to eloquent cortex involvement.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against national data — all in one app.
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.