CPT code 61889: Neurostimulator implant, skull-mounted generator or receiver2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in North Carolina
Reports implantation of a skull-mounted cranial neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver, such as the cranial device used for responsive neurostimulation in epilepsy.
In North Carolina, Medicare pays $1,584.95 for 61889 in a facility. There’s no office rate.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 61889 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
What 61889 covers
A neurosurgeon implants a pulse generator or receiver designed to mount to the skull and connects it to intracranial neuroelectrodes. A common clinical setting is surgery for responsive neurostimulation in drug-resistant focal epilepsy, where the cranial device can monitor brain activity and deliver stimulation through connected electrodes. The service is performed in an operating room, often as part of a larger neurostimulation implantation procedure.
Report this code for the skull-mounted generator or receiver insertion, not simply for placing the intracranial electrodes. The operative report should establish the skull-mounted device, its insertion, and the electrode connections; report electrode implantation separately when performed and supported by the applicable code. CMS assigns a 90-day global period, including the day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care. For same-session procedures, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and others at 50%. Bilateral reporting with modifier 50 is paid at 150%. Assistant-at-surgery payment requires documented medical necessity; co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.
This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.
How North Carolina compares for 61889
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the facility rate for 61889 runs from $1,481.57 in Wisconsin to $2,314.90 in Miami, FL. North Carolina pays $1,584.95. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- North Carolina · this page$1,584.95
- Los Angeles, CA · California$1,767.48+$182.53
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$1,934.71+$349.76
- Miami, FL · Florida$2,314.90+$729.95
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$2,217.79+$632.84
- Manhattan, NY · New York$2,101.81+$516.86
- Alaska · Alaska$2,046.65+$461.70
Other areas in North Carolina first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | — | $1,526.76 |
| ArkansasArkansas | — | $1,499.78 |
| ArizonaArizona | — | $1,681.90 |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | — | $1,681.06 |
| Chico, CACalifornia | — | $1,653.52 |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | — | $1,655.29 |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | — | $1,653.52 |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | — | $1,653.52 |
| Madera, CACalifornia | — | $1,653.52 |
| Merced, CACalifornia | — | $1,653.52 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | — | $1,653.52 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | — | $1,805.85 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | — | $1,741.49 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | — | $1,653.52 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | — | $1,653.52 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | — | $1,766.69 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | — | $1,706.78 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | — | $1,700.36 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | — | $1,722.26 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | — | $1,866.58 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | — | $1,854.53 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | — | $1,924.28 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | — | $1,875.02 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | — | $1,677.47 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | — | $1,723.17 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | — | $1,701.74 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | — | $1,737.96 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | — | $1,653.52 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | — | $1,788.49 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | — | $1,653.52 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | — | $1,653.52 |
| ColoradoColorado | — | $1,718.32 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | — | $1,884.30 |
| DelawareDelaware | — | $1,711.92 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | — | $2,043.79 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | — | $1,903.95 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | — | $1,832.87 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | — | $1,758.08 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | — | $1,677.34 |
| IowaIowa | — | $1,489.16 |
| IdahoIdaho | — | $1,518.88 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | — | $2,064.98 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | — | $1,901.26 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | — | $2,044.70 |
| IndianaIndiana | — | $1,527.38 |
| KansasKansas | — | $1,520.95 |
| KentuckyKentucky | — | $1,658.24 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | — | $1,765.53 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | — | $1,671.25 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | — | $1,853.69 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | — | $1,721.21 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | — | $1,888.29 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | — | $1,736.22 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | — | $1,571.68 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | — | $1,614.43 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | — | $1,973.81 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | — | $1,747.45 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | — | $1,516.88 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | — | $1,708.07 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | — | $1,724.17 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | — | $1,664.11 |
| MississippiMississippi | — | $1,580.27 |
| MontanaMontana | — | $1,749.50 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | — | $1,539.70 |
| NebraskaNebraska | — | $1,486.88 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | — | $1,728.75 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | — | $1,916.28 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | — | $1,869.39 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | — | $1,775.20 |
| NevadaNevada | — | $1,691.58 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | — | $2,212.89 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | — | $1,915.30 |
| Queens, NYNew York | — | $2,061.92 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | — | $1,617.10 |
| OhioOhio | — | $1,704.57 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | — | $1,611.57 |
| Portland, OROregon | — | $1,734.75 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | — | $1,642.73 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | — | $1,856.54 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | — | $1,685.03 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | — | $1,751.02 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | — | $1,746.25 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | — | $1,654.71 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | — | $1,514.90 |
| TennesseeTennessee | — | $1,535.43 |
| Austin, TXTexas | — | $1,743.80 |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | — | $1,674.90 |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | — | $1,673.94 |
| Dallas, TXTexas | — | $1,705.20 |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | — | $1,704.24 |
| Galveston, TXTexas | — | $1,692.06 |
| Houston, TXTexas | — | $1,886.27 |
| Rest of TexasTexas | — | $1,687.42 |
| UtahUtah | — | $1,680.63 |
| VirginiaVirginia | — | $1,636.55 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | — | $1,751.02 |
| VermontVermont | — | $1,569.57 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | — | $1,705.94 |
| King County, WAWashington | — | $1,853.76 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | — | $1,481.57 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | — | $1,829.96 |
| WyomingWyoming | — | $1,658.07 |
61889 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
Explore a state
Local rates. Clear comparisons.
Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | No published base rate | 1 |
| AL | No published base rate | 1 |
| AR | No published base rate | 1 |
| AZ | No published base rate | 1 |
| CA | No published base rate | 29 |
| CO | No published base rate | 1 |
| CT | No published base rate | 1 |
| DC | No published base rate | 1 |
| DE | No published base rate | 1 |
| FL | No published base rate | 3 |
| GA | No published base rate | 2 |
| GU | No published base rate | 1 |
| HI | No published base rate | 1 |
| IA | No published base rate | 1 |
| ID | No published base rate | 1 |
| IL | No published base rate | 4 |
| IN | No published base rate | 1 |
| KS | No published base rate | 1 |
| KY | No published base rate | 1 |
| LA | No published base rate | 2 |
| MA | No published base rate | 2 |
| MD | No published base rate | 3 |
| ME | No published base rate | 2 |
| MI | No published base rate | 2 |
| MN | No published base rate | 1 |
| MO | No published base rate | 3 |
| MS | No published base rate | 1 |
| MT | No published base rate | 1 |
| NC | No published base rate | 1 |
| ND | No published base rate | 1 |
| NE | No published base rate | 1 |
| NH | No published base rate | 1 |
| NJ | No published base rate | 2 |
| NM | No published base rate | 1 |
| NV | No published base rate | 1 |
| NY | No published base rate | 5 |
| OH | No published base rate | 1 |
| OK | No published base rate | 1 |
| OR | No published base rate | 2 |
| PA | No published base rate | 2 |
| PR | No published base rate | 1 |
| RI | No published base rate | 1 |
| SC | No published base rate | 1 |
| SD | No published base rate | 1 |
| TN | No published base rate | 1 |
| TX | No published base rate | 8 |
| UT | No published base rate | 1 |
| VA | No published base rate | 2 |
| VI | No published base rate | 1 |
| VT | No published base rate | 1 |
| WA | No published base rate | 2 |
| WI | No published base rate | 1 |
| WV | No published base rate | 1 |
| WY | No published base rate | 1 |
How the 61889 rate is calculated
Each of 61889’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.
How the rate is built · 61889
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work25.11
25.11 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense16.68
16.68 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice10.61
10.61 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
52.4000
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$1,750.21
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact North Carolina inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
6,904
- Code
- 61889
- Physician work
- 25.11
- Practice expense
- 16.68
- Malpractice
- 10.61
GPCI2026.csv
83
- Locality
- North Carolina
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 0.933
- Malpractice
- 0.639
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 25.11 | × 1.000 | 25.1100 |
| Practice expense | 16.68 | × 0.933 | 15.5624 |
| Malpractice | 10.61 | × 0.639 | 6.7798 |
| Total RVUs | 47.4522 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Facility rate, North Carolina$1584.95
Facility: (25.11 × 1 + 16.68 × 0.933 + 10.61 × 0.639) × $33.4009 = $1584.95
Payment rules and modifiers for 61889
61889 has a 90-day global period: related visits in that window are included in the surgery payment.
CMS payment indicators · 61889
Neurostimulator implant, skull-mounted generator or receiver
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | 090 | Major surgery: the day before, the day of, and 90 days after are included. |
| Multiple procedures | 2 | Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 1 | Bilateral with modifier 50 pays 150% of the fee schedule amount. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 0 | Not paid without supporting documentation. |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 0 | Physician service: no professional/technical split. |
| Split (54/55/56) | 0.11/0.76/0.13 | Share of the payment for pre-op, the procedure itself, and post-op care. |
Global surgery period · 61889
Neurostimulator implant, skull-mounted generator or receiver
90-day global period ends
Dec 30, 2026
Covers Sep 30, 2026 through Dec 30, 2026 (92 days, including the day before surgery).
Visit on Oct 31, 2026
Day 30 of the 90-day post-op period: related follow-up care is included in the surgical payment.
Pre-op dayGlobal period
What modifiers do to the payment
Modifier 50 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
61889 without 50 · national facility
$1,750.21
Neurostimulator implant, skull-mounted generator or receiver
61889-50 · Bilateral: 150%
$2,625.32
Both sides on one line with modifier 50 are paid at 150% of the fee schedule amount (subject to multiple-procedure rules with other procedures).
How 61889 has changed in North Carolina
61889 · Office / nonfacility
Rate unavailable
Effective 2026-10-01
A rate is unavailable in one of these releases, so a change cannot be calculated.
One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.
What changed, release by release
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
No ratechanged toNo rate
Held through RVU24AR, RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D, RVU25A, RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D, RVU26A, RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: No rate
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D, RVU14A, RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D, RVU15A, RVU15B, RVU15C, RVU15D, RVU16A, RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D, RVU17A, RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D, RVU18AR1, RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D, RVU19A, RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D, RVU20A, RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D, RVU21A, RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D, RVU22A, RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D, RVU23A, RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | Not available in this setting | $1,584.95 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | Not available in this setting | $1,584.95 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | Not available in this setting | $1,584.95 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | Not available in this setting | $1,584.95 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | Not available in this setting | $1,168.29 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | Not available in this setting | $1,168.29 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | Not available in this setting | $1,168.29 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | Not available in this setting | $1,168.29 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | Not available in this setting | $1,206.48 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | Not available in this setting | $1,206.48 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | Not available in this setting | $1,206.48 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | Not available in this setting | $1,206.48 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | Not available in this setting | $1,186.79 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13AR |
Where the North Carolina rate applies
North Carolina is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 785 cities and communities in North Carolina. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Aberdeen
- Advance
- Ahoskie
- Alamance
- Albemarle
- Alexis
- Alliance
- Altamahaw
61889 billing questions
How is this different from codes 61885 and 61886?
This code identifies insertion of a generator or receiver designed to mount to the skull. Codes 61885 and 61886 describe other cranial neurostimulator generator or receiver insertions, distinguished by the number of connected electrode arrays.
Does this code include placement of the intracranial electrodes?
Do not treat the generator insertion as a substitute for separately performed electrode implantation. Report the electrode placement under its applicable code when performed and documented.
Can it be reported with an electrode implantation code?
Yes, when the skull-mounted generator or receiver and intracranial electrodes are both implanted during the session, report each service under its applicable code and document the work performed.
What postoperative care is included?
The 90-day global period includes the day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care.
How should bilateral work be reported?
When the service is bilateral, report modifier 50; CMS pays the bilateral procedure at 150%.
Can an assistant or another surgeon be reported?
Assistant-at-surgery payment requires documentation of medical necessity. Co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted for this code.
Where these rates come from
FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.
CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027
Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
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