61521 Brain lesion removal Medicare reimbursement rates in Illinois

This code describes an infratentorial craniectomy to remove a brain tumor in the cerebellopontine angle, the region between the cerebellum and pons. A typical clinical example is removal of a vestibular schwannoma through a suboccipital approach. A neurosurgeon performs the operation in a hospital operating room; the operative report should establish the tumor site, pathology or suspected diagnosis, and surgical approach.

Select the code based on the documented location and operative work, distinguishing a cerebellopontine angle tumor from other infratentorial tumors and from meningioma, abscess, or cyst procedures. The 90-day global period includes the day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care. When multiple procedures are performed in one session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and other procedures are subject to the standard multiple procedure reduction. Modifier 50 is inappropriate for this service. An assistant at surgery may be paid; co-surgeon payment requires supporting documentation, and team surgery is not permitted.