CPT 61781
Global ZZZ ActiveScan proc cranial intra
CPT 61781 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 61781 (Scan proc cranial intra) is classified under Surgery (Endocrine/Nervous/Eye/Ear) with a global period indicator of ZZZ. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 3.66, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 1.27, and a malpractice RVU of 1.51, a total non-facility RVU of 6.44 and facility RVU of 6.44. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $212.18, though rates vary from $178.42 to $293.96 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 61781, 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 61781 with related codes; this code has 10 PTP bundling relationships on file (see table below).
Payment Status & Global Period
Active code (paid under MPFS)
Add-on code (global concept does not apply)
MUE Limit (Medically Unlikely Edits)
Submitting more than 1 units of 61781 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 61781
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 3.66 | 3.66 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 1.27 | 1.27 |
| Malpractice RVU | 1.51 | 1.51 |
| Total RVU | 6.44 | 6.44 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 61781
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 | $204.17 | $204.17 | $197.85 - $223.9 | 29 |
| Florida | $262.99 | $262.99 | $238.6 - $293.96 | 3 |
| Georgia | $223.24 | $223.24 | $220.2 - $226.28 | 2 |
| Illinois | $260.05 | $260.05 | $239.81 - $281.48 | 4 |
| Michigan | $233.07 | $233.07 | $217.92 - $248.22 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $194.05 | $194.05 | $194.05 - $194.05 | 1 |
| New York | $243.94 | $243.94 | $198 - $274.17 | 5 |
| Ohio | $211.81 | $211.81 | $211.81 - $211.81 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $218.82 | $218.82 | $208.85 - $228.78 | 2 |
| Texas | $211.53 | $211.53 | $204.6 - $234.75 | 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 61781
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 61781 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.
| Partner Code | Relationship | Modifier Allowed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0054T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 0055T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 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 |
| 20660 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Separate procedure definition |
| 20661 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 20985 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 36591 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 36592 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 61715 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 61781
What does CPT code 61781 mean? +
CPT code 61781 represents: Scan proc cranial intra. It's in the Surgery (Endocrine/Nervous/Eye/Ear) category with a global period of ZZZ.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 61781? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 61781 is $212.18. Rates range from $178.42 to $293.96 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 61781? +
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 61781? +
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 May 31, 2026.
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