61558 Excision of skull/sutures
Also known as: bone flap excision, skull lesion removal
Craniotomy with excision of bone flap for skull lesion removal or tumor treatment with complete osseous resection.
In Plain Language
Removal of a piece of skull bone; Excision of skull tumor
Clinical Context
Performed for skull vault tumors (osteosarcoma, meningioma), infection requiring debridement, or defect requiring reconstruction.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 25.84 |
| Total RVU | 25.84 |
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 25.84, this code ranks in the 89th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.2x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61558?
CPT 61558 (Excision of skull/sutures) is a Surgery code. Craniotomy with excision of bone flap for skull lesion removal or tumor treatment with complete osseous resection.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61558?
The work RVU for CPT 61558 is 25.84. This code is primarily used by Neurosurgery, Surgical Oncology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61558 used?
Performed for skull vault tumors (osteosarcoma, meningioma), infection requiring debridement, or defect requiring reconstruction.
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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.