2025 CPT code 61797
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Cranial) Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System Feed
Each additional simple cranial lesion treated with stereotactic radiosurgery; this is an add-on code and must be reported with 61796 or 61798.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the service. Consult the CPT manual for guidance on appropriate modifier use.
Stereotactic radiosurgery is medically necessary for the treatment of intracranial lesions when other treatment options are not feasible or have failed.Specific medical necessity criteria may vary by payer.
The neurosurgeon is responsible for performing the stereotactic radiosurgery procedure, including the application of the stereotactic headframe and any necessary planning, dosimetry, targeting, positioning, or blocking. The radiation oncologist is responsible for the clinical treatment planning, physics and dosimetry, treatment delivery, and management.
- Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System
- Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System > Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Cranial)
In simple words: This code is used when a doctor uses radiation to treat extra brain tumors in one session, after already treating one simple tumor.A simple tumor is one that’s smaller than 3.5 centimeters. This code is only used if the doctor also used code 61796 (for the first tumor) or 61798 (for a more complicated tumor).
This CPT code, 61797, represents each additional simple cranial lesion treated using stereotactic radiosurgery (particle beam, gamma ray, or linear accelerator).It is an add-on code, meaning it must be reported in conjunction with either CPT code 61796 (for one simple cranial lesion) or CPT code 61798 (for one complex cranial lesion).A simple lesion is defined as a lesion with a maximum dimension of less than 3.5 cm and does not meet the criteria for a complex lesion.This code is reported separately for each additional simple cranial lesion treated during the same session.Complex lesions, such as those near the optic nerve, brainstem, or certain types of tumors, require the use of code 61798 or 61799.
Example 1: A patient presents with two small meningiomas, both less than 3 cm in diameter.The neurosurgeon performs stereotactic radiosurgery. Code 61796 is used for the first lesion and 61797 is added for the second., A patient has three small pituitary adenomas, all under 3.5 cm. Stereotactic radiosurgery is performed to treat all three. Code 61796 is used for the first lesion and 61797 is added twice for the additional lesions., A patient has one large (4cm) arteriovenous malformation and one small (2cm) meningioma. Code 61798 is used for the arteriovenous malformation (complex lesion), and 61797 is added for the meningioma (simple lesion) if performed in the same session.
* Detailed operative report specifying the number and size of lesions treated, whether simple or complex.* Preoperative imaging (CT or MRI) clearly delineating the location and size of each lesion.* Postoperative imaging to confirm treatment delivery.* Documentation of the stereotactic guidance system used.
** The definition of a "simple" versus "complex" lesion is crucial for accurate coding.Always consult the most up-to-date CPT guidelines and payer-specific policies for clarification.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Neurosurgery, Radiation Oncology
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital