61686 Intracranial vessel surgery
Also known as: complex AVM repair, AVM resection with bypass
Open surgical repair of intracranial arteriovenous malformation with extensive dissection, bypass grafting, or vascular reconstruction.
In Plain Language
Complex surgery for tangled brain vessels with vascular repair
Clinical Context
Complex AVM cases requiring vascular reconstruction or bypass for flow restoration after malformation resection.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 65.81 |
| Total RVU | 65.81 |
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 65.81, this code ranks in the 100th percentile among Surgery codes — 8.2x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61686?
CPT 61686 (Intracranial vessel surgery) is a Surgery code. Open surgical repair of intracranial arteriovenous malformation with extensive dissection, bypass grafting, or vascular reconstruction.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61686?
The work RVU for CPT 61686 is 65.81. This code is primarily used by Neurosurgery, Neuro-vascular Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61686 used?
Complex AVM cases requiring vascular reconstruction or bypass for flow restoration after malformation resection.
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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.