CPT 61001
Global 000 ActiveRemove cranial cavity fluid
CPT 61001 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 61001 (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 1.45, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 1.12, and a malpractice RVU of 0.6, a total non-facility RVU of 3.17 and facility RVU of 3.17. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $105.62, though rates vary from $90.44 to $138.06 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 61001, 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 61001 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 61001 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 61001
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 1.45 | 1.45 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 1.12 | 1.12 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.6 | 0.6 |
| Total RVU | 3.17 | 3.17 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 61001
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 | $105.3 | $105.3 | $101 - $118.44 | 29 |
| Florida | $124.98 | $124.98 | $114.32 - $138.06 | 3 |
| Georgia | $108.17 | $108.17 | $105.69 - $110.65 | 2 |
| Illinois | $123.05 | $123.05 | $113.91 - $132.36 | 4 |
| Michigan | $111.76 | $111.76 | $105.21 - $118.32 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $96.14 | $96.14 | $96.14 - $96.14 | 1 |
| New York | $119.71 | $119.71 | $98.06 - $133.23 | 5 |
| Ohio | $102.79 | $102.79 | $102.79 - $102.79 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $106.93 | $106.93 | $101.71 - $112.15 | 2 |
| Texas | $104.14 | $104.14 | $101.09 - $113.54 | 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 61001
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 61001 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 61001
What does CPT code 61001 mean? +
CPT code 61001 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 61001? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 61001 is $105.62. Rates range from $90.44 to $138.06 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 61001? +
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 61001? +
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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