CPT^® 61020, Under Injection, Drainage, or Aspiration Procedures on the Skull, Meninges, and Brain

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT^®) code 61020 as maintained by American Medical Association, is a medical procedural code under the range - Injection, Drainage, or Aspiration Procedures on the Skull, Meninges, and Brain.

Additional/Related Information

Tabs

Summary

In this procedure, the provider inserts a needle into one of the brain’s ventricles to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, for testing but does not inject any substance. The provider accesses the brain through the patient’s skull through a previously created burr hole, the fontanelle, or coronal suture, or through an internal ventricular drain. This service is done to measure pressure, remove excess fluid, and or collect fluid samples to analyze the CSF for neurological conditions.

For clinical responsibility, terminology, tips and additional info
start codify free trial.

View any code changes for 2024 as well as historical information on code creation and revision.

Crosswalks

Tabs

Combat the #1 denial reason - mismatched CPT-ICD-9 codes - with top Medicare carrier and private payer accepted diagnoses for the chosen CPT® code.

View the CPT® code's corresponding procedural code and DRG. In a click, check the DRG's IPPS allowable, length of stay, and more. To plug inpatient facility revenue drains, subscribe to DRG Coder today.

Crosswalk to an anesthesia code and its base units, and calculate payments in a snap! Subscribe to Anesthesia Coder today.

View matching HCPCS Level II codes and their definitions.

Forum

Have a question about CPT Code 61020 ? Start a discussion here

Code for removal of CSF from Ommaya

[QUOTE="SHERISMITH, post: 313715, member: 36431"]I have a patient that had CSF sample removed from her Ommaya in our out patient facility. The code that I feel I should use is 61020. No chemotherapy w... [ Read More ]

Code for removal of CSF from Ommaya

I have a patient that had CSF sample removed from her Ommaya in our out patient facility. The code that I feel I should use is 61020. No chemotherapy was given after the removal of the spinal fluid. I... [ Read More ]

Ommaya Tap

I would say that if the aspiration is being done alone, you would likely use 61020. But if this is done on the same date as chemotherapy drugs being injected into the reservoir, use 61070.... [ Read More ]

Ommaya Tap

What CPT code would you use for aspiration of CSF for diagnostic purposes via Ommaya reservoir? I'm leaning toward 61020 or 61070?... [ Read More ]

externalized drainage system

Hello all, I need help! Dr did 6/25 shunt tap for hydrocephalus (I used 61020) 6/26 removal of VA shunt & externalization of previously placed right VP shunt(62256 &62230? 6/27 disconnection of e... [ Read More ]

61020

Hi everyone, Our doctor has started doing procedure code 61020 (Ventricular puncture through previous burr hole) which is a new procedure performed in our office. The insurance companies deny this se... [ Read More ]

External Ventricular Drain/ICP Monitor

Patient admitted with SAH Burr hole was perfomed 12-9, no complications, taken to recovery room [B]Postoperatively, 2 hours later, patient taken back to OR for cerebral edema, intracranial HTN[/B] P... [ Read More ]

View All