2025 CPT code 61680

Surgical resection of a supratentorial, simple arteriovenous malformation (AVM).

Refer to the AMA CPT® codebook for the most up-to-date coding guidelines and instructions.Always code to the highest level of specificity.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure. For example, modifier 51 (multiple procedures) may be used if additional procedures were performed during the same operative session.Modifier 22 (increased procedural services) may be appropriate if the procedure was significantly more complex than usual. Consult the CPT® manual for appropriate modifier usage.

Surgical resection is medically necessary for AVMs that are symptomatic (causing seizures, headaches, or neurological deficits) or that demonstrate a high risk of rupture and hemorrhage.The decision to proceed with surgery is based on a comprehensive assessment of the AVM's characteristics, the patient's overall health, and the potential benefits and risks of the procedure.

The neurosurgeon is responsible for pre-operative planning (including angiogram), surgical resection of the AVM, meticulous hemostasis (control of bleeding), repair of the dura mater, replacement and fixation of the bone flap, and post-operative care.

IMPORTANT Codes 61682-61692 should be used for more complex or less accessible AVMs based on location and difficulty of access.

In simple words: The doctor removes a tangled mass of blood vessels (AVM) in the brain through a small opening in the skull. This AVM is small and easy to reach.The surgery involves carefully removing the abnormal vessels, stopping any bleeding, and repairing the skull.

This procedure involves the surgical removal of a supratentorial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) that is considered simple, meaning it is less than 3 cm in size, easily accessible, and without deep venous drainage or cortical involvement.The procedure begins with an angiogram to precisely locate the AVM. After prepping and anesthetizing the patient, a craniotomy is performed to expose the AVM. The AVM is then meticulously separated from the surrounding brain tissue and resected, with careful control of bleeding.Excess fluid or blood is drained, the dura is repaired, and the bone flap is replaced and secured. The wound is then closed and dressed.

Example 1: A 35-year-old patient presents with a small, easily accessible AVM in the frontal lobe. The AVM is less than 3 cm and shows no deep venous drainage.A craniotomy is performed, and the AVM is completely resected with minimal bleeding., A 40-year-old patient with a history of headaches and seizures is found to have a 2 cm AVM in the parietal lobe. The AVM is deemed simple and surgically accessible.After a successful resection, the patient experiences a significant reduction in seizure frequency., A 60-year-old patient presents with a small AVM in the temporal lobe. The AVM is superficial and easily removed. The surgery is uncomplicated and the patient recovers well.

* Pre-operative angiogram images clearly delineating the AVM's location, size, and vascular supply.* Operative report detailing the surgical technique, including craniotomy, AVM resection, hemostasis, and closure.* Intraoperative imaging (if performed).* Post-operative neurological examination findings.* Pathology report confirming complete AVM resection.

** This code is specifically for simple, supratentorial AVMs.More complex AVMs requiring more extensive surgical techniques should be coded accordingly using other codes within the 61680-61711 range.

  • Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Specialties:Neurosurgery
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center
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