CPT code 61796 designates stereotactic treatment using externally generated ionizing radiation to ablate a single, simple cranial lesion (typically <3.5 cm). This procedure is clinically important for treating solitary brain metastases, select primary brain tumors, and certain benign intracranial lesions where focused, noninvasive radiation is preferred over open surgery. Nationally, utilization of focused cranial radiosurgery affects interdisciplinary care pathways, facility resource planning, and payer coverage decisions because it concentrates high-cost, high-skill resources into outpatient and ambulatory settings.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of the procedure and its clinical context, typical sites of service and service type, and what to expect from payer coverage and coding practice. The publication also highlights common billing modifiers and data elements where available. Where specific input data is missing, the text clearly notes that information is not available in the input.

This summary is intended for clinicians, coding professionals, and policy analysts who need a concise national-level briefing on the clinical purpose, billing context, and payer landscape for CPT code 61796.