61791 Treat trigeminal tract
Also known as: trigeminal tractotomy, mesencephalic tractotomy
Surgical treatment of trigeminal nerve tract or nucleus in brainstem via tractotomy for pain management.
In Plain Language
Cutting trigeminal nerve pathway in brainstem
Clinical Context
Performed for refractory trigeminal pain when peripheral approaches fail. Brainstem lesioning technique.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 15.02 |
| Total RVU | 15.02 |
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 15.02, this code ranks in the 73rd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.9x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 61791?
CPT 61791 (Treat trigeminal tract) is a Surgery code. Surgical treatment of trigeminal nerve tract or nucleus in brainstem via tractotomy for pain management.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 61791?
The work RVU for CPT 61791 is 15.02. This code is primarily used by Neurosurgery, Pain Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 61791 used?
Performed for refractory trigeminal pain when peripheral approaches fail. Brainstem lesioning technique.
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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.