61595 Transtemporal approach/skull
Also known as: transtemporal approach, translabyrinthine variant
Transtemporal approach to skull base and intracranial lesion with drilling of temporal bone for access to lateral brainstem.
In Plain Language
Surgery through temporal bone to brain
Clinical Context
Provides lateral access to cerebellopontine angle and lateral brainstem. Used for acoustic neuromas and other cerebellopontine angle lesions.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 32.90 |
| Total RVU | 32.90 |
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 32.90, this code ranks in the 94th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.1x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61595?
CPT 61595 (Transtemporal approach/skull) is a Surgery code. Transtemporal approach to skull base and intracranial lesion with drilling of temporal bone for access to lateral brainstem.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61595?
The work RVU for CPT 61595 is 32.90. This code is primarily used by Neurosurgery, Otologic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61595 used?
Provides lateral access to cerebellopontine angle and lateral brainstem. Used for acoustic neuromas and other cerebellopontine angle lesions.
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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.