2025 CPT code 61518
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Craniotomy Nervous System Feed
Craniotomy for excision of infratentorial or posterior fossa brain tumor (excluding meningioma, cerebellopontine angle tumor, or midline tumor at skull base).
Modifiers may be applicable depending on circumstances, such as the use of an assistant surgeon (modifier 80) or multiple procedures (modifier 51).Check the payer's specific guidelines.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a symptomatic infratentorial or posterior fossa brain tumor that significantly impacts neurological function. The potential for tumor growth, neurological deficits, or life-threatening complications justifies surgical intervention.
A neurosurgeon performs this complex procedure, encompassing patient preparation, incision, bone removal, tumor excision, hemostasis (stopping bleeding), tissue repair, and closure.Additional specialists (e.g., neuroradiologist for imaging guidance) may be involved.
In simple words: The doctor removes a piece of the skull bone to reach and take out a brain tumor located in the lower back part of the brain or below a specific brain structure. This is not for certain types of tumors near the base of the skull.
This surgical procedure involves removing a portion of the skull bone to access and excise a brain tumor located below the tentorium cerebelli (infratentorial) or within the posterior fossa.The procedure is specifically for tumors in these locations, excluding meningiomas, cerebellopontine angle tumors, and midline tumors at the skull base.The surgeon makes a scalp incision, removes a circular section of bone (burr hole), potentially creating a bone flap for broader access. The tumor is identified and excised. Excess fluid or blood is drained, tissues are sutured, the bone flap (if used) is repositioned and secured, and the scalp is closed.
Example 1: A 55-year-old patient presents with symptoms of an infratentorial brain tumor.A craniotomy is performed, the tumor is successfully removed, and the patient recovers well., A 60-year-old patient with a posterior fossa tumor undergoes a craniotomy with image-guided surgery.Partial tumor resection is achieved due to location and proximity to vital structures., A 70-year-old patient with a large infratentorial tumor requiring a complex craniotomy with bone flap creation. Post-operative care includes monitoring for swelling and managing potential complications.
* Preoperative imaging (MRI, CT) showing tumor location and size.* Operative report detailing the surgical approach, extent of resection, and any complications.* Pathology report confirming tumor type and grading.* Postoperative imaging to assess for residual tumor or complications.* Complete anesthesia record.
** This code should be used only when the tumor is located infratentorially or in the posterior fossa, and it's not a meningioma, cerebellopontine angle tumor, or midline tumor at the base of the skull.Always refer to the most current CPT manual for coding guidelines.
- Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- RVU: This information requires access to a current, payer-specific RVU database and is not available in the provided dataset.RVUs vary based on location, facility type, and payer.
- Global Days : The global period for this procedure depends on payer-specific guidelines and the specific surgical details. Further information on global days is required from additional sources.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (Technical Component) may not be applicable to this code as it generally describes the physician's professional services.The facility may bill separately for technical services.
- Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data requires accessing payer-specific databases and is unavailable from the given information.Fee schedules change frequently.
- Specialties:Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center