61605 resection/excise cranial lesion
Also known as: middle fossa resection, anterior fossa lesion removal
Resection or excision of intracranial lesion from middle or anterior cranial fossa with vascular repair if needed.
In Plain Language
Front or middle brain area tumor surgery
Clinical Context
Addresses sellar, suprasellar, parasellar, and anterior fossa lesions. Frequently applied to pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, and meningiomas.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 31.76 |
| Total RVU | 31.76 |
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 31.76, this code ranks in the 94th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.0x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61605?
CPT 61605 (resection/excise cranial lesion) is a Surgery code. Resection or excision of intracranial lesion from middle or anterior cranial fossa with vascular repair if needed.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61605?
The work RVU for CPT 61605 is 31.76. This code is primarily used by Neurosurgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61605 used?
Addresses sellar, suprasellar, parasellar, and anterior fossa lesions. Frequently applied to pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, and meningiomas.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
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.