CPT code 61001 designates subsequent punctures of the dura through the fontanelle or coronal suture to evacuate blood or cerebrospinal fluid and relieve intracranial pressure in infants. This neurosurgical procedure is clinically significant for acute neonatal and pediatric intracranial collections where serial drainage may be required to manage hydrocephalus or subdural/epidural hematomas. Nationally, accurate coding of this procedure affects clinical tracking, resource allocation, and hospital billing for specialized neonatal and pediatric neurosurgical care.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for CPT code 61001, typical sites of service, common modifiers listed in the input, and areas where coding clarity matters for payer adjudication. The publication highlights operational benchmarks and policy-relevant considerations such as documentation elements that support serial intracranial puncture claims, coding nuances for subsequent versus initial procedures, and the clinical indications that commonly accompany this service. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable, and the piece is written for a national audience seeking clarity on the clinical role and billing implications of CPT code 61001.