61550 Release of skull seams
Also known as: sagittal suture release, cranial vault expansion
Craniectomy with release and separation of sagittal sutures for treatment of cranial vault abnormalities.
In Plain Language
Surgery to separate skull sutures; Skull expansion procedure
Clinical Context
Performed in infants and young children with dolichocephalic skull deformities or conditions causing increased intracranial pressure. Common in management of sagittal synostosis.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 15.20 |
| Total RVU | 15.20 |
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 15.20, this code ranks in the 73rd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.9x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61550?
CPT 61550 (Release of skull seams) is a Surgery code. Craniectomy with release and separation of sagittal sutures for treatment of cranial vault abnormalities.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61550?
The work RVU for CPT 61550 is 15.20. This code is primarily used by Neurosurgery, Pediatric Surgery, Craniofacial Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61550 used?
Performed in infants and young children with dolichocephalic skull deformities or conditions causing increased intracranial pressure. Common in management of sagittal synostosis.
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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.