2025 CPT code 61519
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System - Craniotomy Surgery Feed
Craniotomy for excision of an infratentorial or posterior fossa brain tumor; meningioma.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure (e.g., modifier 22 for increased procedural services, 59 for distinct procedural service, etc.). Consult CPT guidelines for modifier usage.
Medical necessity for this procedure is established by the presence of a symptomatic meningioma that requires surgical intervention to alleviate neurological symptoms, prevent further neurological damage, or improve quality of life. Documentation must support the clinical indication for the craniectomy.
The neurosurgeon is primarily responsible for this procedure, including pre-operative planning, surgical execution, and post-operative care. Anesthesiologists and other support staff also play crucial roles in ensuring patient safety and procedural success.
In simple words: This surgery removes a brain tumor located in the lower part of the brain (infratentorial or posterior fossa) near the brainstem. A piece of the skull bone is removed to access and remove the tumor, after which the bone is replaced, and the scalp is closed.
This CPT code, 61519, represents a craniectomy procedure involving the surgical removal of a meningioma (a tumor originating from the meninges) located in the infratentorial or posterior fossa region of the brain.The procedure entails removing a portion of the skull bone (craniectomy) to access and excise the tumor.Post-excision, the surgical site is typically closed, often involving the repair of the dura mater and replacement of the bone flap.The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia.
Example 1: A 55-year-old patient presents with symptoms of increased intracranial pressure and neurological deficits. MRI reveals a meningioma in the posterior fossa.Code 61519 is used to bill for the craniectomy and excision of the tumor., A 60-year-old patient experiences hearing loss and facial weakness. Imaging reveals a cerebellopontine angle meningioma. While this might seem similar to 61520,if the tumor is predominantly a meningioma, 61519 would be appropriate.Documentation must clearly specify the nature and location of the tumor. , A 40-year-old patient with a history of headaches and seizures has an MRI showing a meningioma in the infratentorial region, impinging on vital structures.Code 61519 is used, and the operative report includes details of the tumor's precise location, size, and extent of resection.
* Pre-operative imaging studies (MRI, CT scan) clearly demonstrating the tumor's location, size, and characteristics.* Operative report detailing the surgical approach, extent of resection, and any complications encountered.* Pathology report confirming the diagnosis of meningioma.* Post-operative neurological examination documenting the patient's recovery.
** Careful documentation is crucial to ensure proper coding. The location of the tumor (infratentorial versus posterior fossa) and its characteristics (meningioma) must be clearly documented in the operative and pathology reports to accurately select code 61519.
- Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- RVU: This information is not provided in the source data.Relative Value Units (RVUs) are dependent on several factors, including geographic location and the specific facility where the service is provided.Further consultation of the CMS website or local payer fee schedules would be required for accurate determination.
- Global Days : The global surgical period for this procedure is not specified in the provided sources.This would need further clarification from the payer or coding guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier would not typically be used with this code since the service is primarily a surgical procedure.
- Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data is not available within the provided context.Consult appropriate fee schedules for the specific year in question.
- Specialties:Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center