61556 Incise skull/sutures
Also known as: craniotomy, incision of skull, dural opening
Incision and opening of cranial vault with separation of skull sutures and bone flap elevation for intracranial access.
In Plain Language
Opening the skull for brain surgery; Making an opening in the skull
Clinical Context
Fundamental approach for intracranial pathology. Provides access for tumor resection, aneurysm repair, hemorrhage evacuation, and diagnostic procedures.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 23.49 |
| Total RVU | 23.49 |
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 23.49, this code ranks in the 87th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.9x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61556?
CPT 61556 (Incise skull/sutures) is a Surgery code. Incision and opening of cranial vault with separation of skull sutures and bone flap elevation for intracranial access.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61556?
The work RVU for CPT 61556 is 23.49. This code is primarily used by Neurosurgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61556 used?
Fundamental approach for intracranial pathology. Provides access for tumor resection, aneurysm repair, hemorrhage evacuation, and diagnostic procedures.
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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.