Summary & Overview
CPT 61530: Cerebellopontine Angle Tumor Resection, Transtemporal and Posterior Fossa
CPT code 61530 represents a complex skull base neurosurgical procedure for excision of cerebellopontine angle tumors (acoustic neuromas) using combined transtemporal and posterior fossa approaches. This technique is designed to provide wide exposure to the tumor while minimizing brain retraction and preserving hearing and facial nerve function. Nationally, this code captures a high-complexity operative service with implications for surgical resource use, facility setting, and specialized postoperative care.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical indications and operative intent, typical settings of care, and commonly reported modifiers. The publication summarizes benchmark utilization patterns, payer policy considerations that affect authorization and coverage, and coding nuances relevant to billing departments and surgical practices. It also highlights clinical context — including goals of tumor removal and functional preservation — that informs coding choices and postoperative care pathways.
The material is intended for coding professionals, neurosurgeons, hospital billing teams, and payer policy analysts seeking a concise reference to 61530 for national-level coding and policy discussions. Data not available in the input will be indicated where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 61530 describes a neurosurgical procedure to remove a cerebellopontine angle tumor (acoustical neuroma) using a dual approach. The provider removes a portion of the skull (craniotomy) and accesses the tumor via a transtemporal route across the temporal bone and through the posterior fossa to obtain wide exposure while minimizing brain retraction. The primary clinical goals are tumor excision with preservation of existing hearing and facial nerve function.
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Service type: Neurosurgical tumor resection, skull base approach
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Typical site of service: Inpatient or outpatient hospital operating room; tertiary care or specialized neurosurgery center
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 48-year-old patient presents with progressive unilateral hearing loss, intermittent tinnitus, and facial numbness. MRI of the brain demonstrates a cerebellopontine angle mass consistent with a vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) measuring 2.8 cm with brainstem contact. After multidisciplinary review, the otolaryngology/neurosurgery team schedules a combined transtemporal and posterior fossa resection to maximize tumor exposure while attempting to preserve facial nerve function and residual hearing. The patient is admitted to an inpatient surgical unit on the day of surgery. Intraoperative components include general endotracheal anesthesia, neuronavigation, facial nerve monitoring, and a combined craniotomy/transtemporal approach to expose the internal auditory canal and posterior fossa. Postoperatively the patient is observed in a neurosurgical step-down or intensive care setting for neurologic monitoring, pain control, and assessment of facial nerve and audiologic function, with follow-up imaging planned at 3 months to assess for residual tumor and postoperative changes.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
62 | Two surgeons | When a second surgeon (co-surgeon) performs distinct surgical portions, common in combined skull base cases. |
80 |