61581 Craniofacial approach skull
Also known as: extended craniofacial resection, facial osteotomy approach
Extended craniofacial approach with resection of facial/orbital structures and intracranial tumor with wide margins.
In Plain Language
Extensive craniofacial tumor surgery; Face and skull combined surgery
Clinical Context
Performed for large tumors requiring facial structure sacrifice for adequate margins. Includes esthesioneuroblastoma, advanced sinusitis, and ethmoid tumors.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 38.15 |
| Total RVU | 38.15 |
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 38.15, this code ranks in the 97th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.8x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61581?
CPT 61581 (Craniofacial approach skull) is a Surgery code. Extended craniofacial approach with resection of facial/orbital structures and intracranial tumor with wide margins.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61581?
The work RVU for CPT 61581 is 38.15. This code is primarily used by Neurosurgery, Otolaryngology, Surgical Oncology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61581 used?
Performed for large tumors requiring facial structure sacrifice for adequate margins. Includes esthesioneuroblastoma, advanced sinusitis, and ethmoid tumors.
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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.