61540 Removal of brain tissue
Also known as: cortical incision, brain tissue incision
Craniotomy or craniectomy with surgical incision into brain tissue (cortical incision or opening) for access to deeper lesions or functional surgery.
In Plain Language
surgical cut into brain tissue
Clinical Context
Performed as approach to deep brain lesions, vascular malformations, or during functional surgery for electrode placement, lesion resection, or therapeutic ablation.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 30.64 |
| Total RVU | 30.64 |
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 30.64, this code ranks in the 93rd percentile among Surgery codes — 3.8x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61540?
CPT 61540 (Removal of brain tissue) is a Surgery code. Craniotomy or craniectomy with surgical incision into brain tissue (cortical incision or opening) for access to deeper lesions or functional surgery.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61540?
The work RVU for CPT 61540 is 30.64. This code is primarily used by neurosurgery, functional neurosurgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61540 used?
Performed as approach to deep brain lesions, vascular malformations, or during functional surgery for electrode placement, lesion resection, or therapeutic ablation.
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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.