2025 CPT code 61571

Craniotomy or craniectomy with treatment of a penetrating brain wound.

Refer to the most current CPT coding guidelines for detailed instructions on proper code selection and documentation.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.Consult the CPT guidelines and payer specific rules.

Medical necessity for this procedure is established when a patient has a penetrating brain injury requiring surgical intervention to remove the foreign body, debride damaged tissue, and prevent further neurological damage. The decision to perform the procedure is based on clinical findings, imaging studies, and neurological assessment.

The neurosurgeon is primarily responsible for performing this procedure.This includes pre-operative assessment, surgical execution, and post-operative care. Anesthesiology and nursing staff are also involved in the patient's care during the procedure and recovery.

IMPORTANT (For sequestrectomy for osteomyelitis, use 61501)

In simple words: The doctor removes a piece of the skull to fix an injury to the brain caused by something like a bullet or a sharp object. They clean the wound, repair the damage, and put the skull piece back in place.

This procedure involves the surgical removal of a portion of the skull (craniectomy or craniotomy) to access and treat a penetrating wound to the brain caused by a foreign object.The surgeon makes an incision in the scalp, removes a section of the skull bone,debrides damaged brain tissue, irrigates the area, and then reconstructs the skull using plates, wires, or sutures.The wound is closed with a sterile dressing.

Example 1: A patient presents after a motor vehicle accident with a penetrating brain injury from a shard of glass.A craniotomy is performed to remove the glass, debride damaged tissue, and repair the skull., A patient sustains a gunshot wound to the head.A craniectomy is performed to access and repair the damaged brain tissue, remove bone fragments, and reconstruct the skull defect., A construction worker suffers a penetrating brain injury from a falling object.A craniotomy is performed to remove the foreign body, repair the resulting damage, and close the skull.

** This code is used for craniotomy or craniectomy performed for the treatment of a penetrating brain wound.The specific approach and techniques employed may vary depending on the location and extent of the injury.

  • Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
  • RVU: This information requires access to a specific fee schedule and may vary by payer and location.Consult the appropriate fee schedule for current RVU values.
  • Global Days : The global period for this procedure is dependent on the complexity of the case and may vary by payer. Consult the specific payer's guidelines.
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
  • Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data is not provided.Consult payer specific data for historical fee information.
  • Specialties:Neurosurgery
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center
** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.