Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers
CPT 61597: Far Lateral Transcondylar Skull-Base Approach
CPT code 61597 describes a complex neurosurgical approach — the far lateral transcondylar exposure of the posterior cranial fossa, jugular foramen, or midline skull base — used to reach lesions near the cerebellum and lower cranial nerves. The procedure may include partial resection of the occipital condyle, mastoid bone, and upper cervical vertebrae, and can involve decompression or mobilization of the vertebral artery. Nationally, this code captures high-complexity skull-base surgeries typically performed at tertiary care centers and has relevance for coverage determinations, network specialty capacity, and bundled payment or utilization analyses.
Key payers covered in the analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find clinical context for when the approach is used, typical service and site-of-service settings, and the elements that differentiate this procedure from other cranial approaches. The publication provides benchmarks where available, summarizes policy considerations that affect prior authorization and inpatient versus outpatient designation, and outlines documentation and coding considerations clinicians and coders should confirm when reporting 61597.
Data not available in the input for some comparative metrics is noted where applicable.
Customize your policy alerts
Sign up for cpt 61597 policy alerts
Get alerted when payer policies referencing 61597 are released or updated.
Monitor payer policy activity
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 61597 describes a neurosurgical procedure using a far lateral transcondylar approach to access the posterior cranial fossa, jugular foramen, or midline skull base. The operative description includes removal of portions of the occipital condyle, mastoid bone, and parts of the C1 to C3 vertebrae when needed, and may involve decompression or mobilization of the vertebral artery to access the cerebellum. The specific approach selected depends on the location and size of the lesion. Report other surgeries, repairs, or reconstructions separately.
Service type: Complex cranial/skull-base neurosurgical resection/approach
Typical site of service: Operating room for inpatient or outpatient surgical settings, often associated with tertiary care or regional medical centers specializing in neurosurgery.