2025 CPT code 61500
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System Feed
Craniectomy with excision of tumor or other bone lesion of skull.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.
Medical necessity must be established by demonstrating the presence of a tumor or bone lesion requiring surgical excision.
The surgeon performs the procedure, including incision, bone removal, reconstruction, and closure.
In simple words: The surgeon removes a piece of the skull to take out a tumor or abnormal growth from the skull bone. Sometimes, a bone graft or replacement piece is used to rebuild the skull.
This procedure involves removing a section of the skull bone to excise a tumor or other bone lesion. The scalp is incised and retracted to expose the affected bone. The portion of the skull containing the tumor or lesion is removed. If necessary, a bone graft (autologous split calvarial, posterior wall of sinus, iliac crest) or synthetic material may be used to reconstruct the skull. The bone flap or graft/replacement is secured, the scalp is closed in layers, and a sterile dressing is applied.
Example 1: A patient presents with an osteoma of the skull. A craniectomy is performed to remove the benign tumor., A patient has a skull metastasis from a primary cancer. A craniectomy is performed to excise the lesion., Following a skull fracture with bone fragments impinging on the brain, a craniectomy is performed to remove the fragments and repair the damaged bone.
Documentation should include details about the size and location of the lesion, operative technique, type of reconstruction if any, and any complications.
- Payment Status: Inpatient Only (as of 2017)
- Specialties:Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital