63740 Install spinal shunt
Also known as: spinal shunt placement, syrinx shunt implant, spinal fluid diversion
Implantation of spinal shunt for cerebrospinal fluid diversion. This procedure involves placement of a shunt system to manage pathological cerebrospinal fluid accumulation within the spinal cord.
In Plain Language
placement of spinal fluid drainage tube
Clinical Context
Used for symptomatic syrinx, hydromyelia, or other pathological spinal cord fluid collections causing neurological symptoms.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 12.31 |
| Total RVU | 12.31 |
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 12.31, this code ranks in the 66th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.5x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 63740?
CPT 63740 (Install spinal shunt) is a Surgery code. Implantation of spinal shunt for cerebrospinal fluid diversion. This procedure involves placement of a shunt system to manage pathological cerebrospinal fluid accumulation within the spinal cord.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 63740?
The work RVU for CPT 63740 is 12.31. This code is primarily used by Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 63740 used?
Used for symptomatic syrinx, hydromyelia, or other pathological spinal cord fluid collections causing neurological symptoms.
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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.