61601 resection/excise cranial lesion
Also known as: extended lesion resection
Craniotomy with extended resection of intracranial lesion requiring additional brain mobilization or extensive dissection.
In Plain Language
Extended brain tumor removal
Clinical Context
Performed for large, infiltrative, or complex intracranial lesions requiring more extensive dissection than standard approach.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 30.36 |
| Total RVU | 30.36 |
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 30.36, this code ranks in the 93rd percentile among Surgery codes — 3.8x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61601?
CPT 61601 (resection/excise cranial lesion) is a Surgery code. Craniotomy with extended resection of intracranial lesion requiring additional brain mobilization or extensive dissection.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61601?
The work RVU for CPT 61601 is 30.36. This code is primarily used by Neurosurgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61601 used?
Performed for large, infiltrative, or complex intracranial lesions requiring more extensive dissection than standard approach.
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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.