CPT 61000
Global 000 ActiveRemove cranial cavity fluid
CPT 61000 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 61000 (Remove cranial cavity fluid) is classified under Surgery (Endocrine/Nervous/Eye/Ear) with a global period indicator of 000. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 1.54, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 1.15, and a malpractice RVU of 0.64, a total non-facility RVU of 3.33 and facility RVU of 3.33. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $110.87, though rates vary from $94.82 to $145.48 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 61000, ensure documentation supports medical necessity and the specific components required for the code's level of service. For E/M codes, document MDM (medical decision-making) elements: problems addressed, data reviewed, and risk. For procedural codes, document the indication, technique, and any complications. Always verify NCCI edits before bundling 61000 with related codes; this code has 10 PTP bundling relationships on file (see table below).
Payment Status & Global Period
Active code (paid under MPFS)
Endoscopic or minor procedure with related preoperative and postoperative work performed on the same day
MUE Limit (Medically Unlikely Edits)
Submitting more than 1 units of 61000 for the same patient on the same date triggers automatic line denial unless an appropriate modifier and supporting documentation justify the higher quantity.
RVU Breakdown, CPT 61000
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 1.54 | 1.54 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 1.15 | 1.15 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.64 | 0.64 |
| Total RVU | 3.33 | 3.33 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 61000
State-level averages across all MAC localities. Non-facility rates typically apply to office-based services; facility rates apply to hospital outpatient / inpatient.
| State | Non-Facility | Facility | Range (Non-Fac) | Localities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $110.33 | $110.33 | $105.87 - $123.94 | 29 |
| Florida | $131.59 | $131.59 | $120.29 - $145.48 | 3 |
| Georgia | $113.74 | $113.74 | $111.18 - $116.29 | 2 |
| Illinois | $129.58 | $129.58 | $119.92 - $139.46 | 4 |
| Michigan | $117.59 | $117.59 | $110.64 - $124.54 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $100.93 | $100.93 | $100.93 - $100.93 | 1 |
| New York | $125.79 | $125.79 | $102.96 - $140.1 | 5 |
| Ohio | $108.05 | $108.05 | $108.05 - $108.05 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $112.38 | $112.38 | $106.9 - $117.85 | 2 |
| Texas | $109.39 | $109.39 | $106.25 - $119.41 | 8 |
Source: CMS PFSRVU 2026 · Updated 2026-04-01. Full locality-level detail available for all 53 states, contact us for custom reports.
NCCI Bundling Edits, CPT 61000
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 61000 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.
| Partner Code | Relationship | Modifier Allowed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0213T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0216T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0228T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0230T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0333T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0464T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0596T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0597T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0708T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0709T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 61000
What does CPT code 61000 mean? +
CPT code 61000 represents: Remove cranial cavity fluid. It's in the Surgery (Endocrine/Nervous/Eye/Ear) category with a global period of 000.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 61000? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 61000 is $110.87. Rates range from $94.82 to $145.48 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 61000? +
Surgery codes commonly use modifier 22 (increased procedural services), 50 (bilateral), 51 (multiple procedures), 52 (reduced services), 58/78/79 (staged, unplanned return, unrelated within global), 62 (co-surgeons), 80/82 (assistant surgeon), and 59 or the X{EPSU} subset for distinct procedural service.
What bundling edits apply to CPT 61000? +
This code has 10 NCCI PTP bundling relationships. See the NCCI Bundling section below for full list.
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on April 17, 2026.
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