61545 Excision of brain tumor
Also known as: brain tumor resection, tumor excision, craniotomy tumor removal
Excision of brain tumor or intracranial neoplasm with complete removal of lesion tissue and surrounding margins.
In Plain Language
Surgical removal of a brain tumor; Cutting out a tumor in the brain
Clinical Context
Performed for symptomatic brain tumors causing mass effect, neurologic deficit, or requiring diagnostic tissue. Primary approach for glioblastoma, meningioma, and other intracranial neoplasms.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 45.27 |
| Total RVU | 45.27 |
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 45.27, this code ranks in the 98th percentile among Surgery codes — 5.7x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61545?
CPT 61545 (Excision of brain tumor) is a Surgery code. Excision of brain tumor or intracranial neoplasm with complete removal of lesion tissue and surrounding margins.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61545?
The work RVU for CPT 61545 is 45.27. This code is primarily used by Neurosurgery, Surgical Oncology, Neuro-oncology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61545 used?
Performed for symptomatic brain tumors causing mass effect, neurologic deficit, or requiring diagnostic tissue. Primary approach for glioblastoma, meningioma, and other intracranial neoplasms.
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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.