CPT code 61322 represents a neurosurgical decompressive craniectomy performed to relieve raised intracranial pressure (ICP) by removing a portion of the skull and, when indicated, performing duraplasty to expand or reconstruct the dura. The procedure is clinically significant in acute brain swelling from causes such as malignant cerebral edema and other non-hematoma etiologies; it preserves neural tissue by preventing secondary injury from uncontrolled intracranial hypertension. Nationally, this service is performed primarily in inpatient surgical settings and carries implications for acute surgical access, hospital resource utilization, and postoperative care pathways.

Key payers in discussions of coverage and reimbursement include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical intent of the code, the typical site of service and service type, common modifier considerations (listed separately), and the contexts in which this code is reported. The publication also summarizes policy and billing nuances relevant to facility and professional claims, benchmark considerations where available, and clinical context that informs appropriate use of the code. Data not provided in the input—such as associated taxonomies, ICD-10 pairings, and related billing codes—is noted as unavailable.