61618 Repair dura
Also known as: dural repair, dural plasty
Repair of dural defect or tear with primary closure or graft placement to restore cerebrospinal fluid containment.
In Plain Language
Repair of brain lining; Fixing brain membrane tear
Clinical Context
Performed after craniotomy to ensure watertight closure and prevent cerebrospinal fluid leak and meningitis.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 18.22 |
| Total RVU | 18.22 |
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 18.22, this code ranks in the 79th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.3x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61618?
CPT 61618 (Repair dura) is a Surgery code. Repair of dural defect or tear with primary closure or graft placement to restore cerebrospinal fluid containment.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61618?
The work RVU for CPT 61618 is 18.22. This code is primarily used by Neurosurgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61618 used?
Performed after craniotomy to ensure watertight closure and prevent cerebrospinal fluid leak and meningitis.
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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.