CPT 61522
Removal of brain abscess
CPT 61522 at a glance
- Code
- 61522
- Code type
- CPT/HCPCS (Add. EE)
- Short descriptor
- Removal of brain abscess
- Category
- Excluded from ASC Pay (Add. EE)
- ASC payment status
- Excluded from ASC payment
- CMS addendum
- EE (Excluded)
- Typical setting
- Hospital outpatient department (POS 22) or office (POS 11). Not separately payable in an ASC.
What is CPT code 61522?
CPT 61522 is a CPT/HCPCS (Add. EE) procedure code. Its official CMS short descriptor is "Removal of brain abscess". In the ASC context it is grouped under Excluded from ASC Pay (Add. EE).
Is CPT 61522 payable in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC)?
CPT 61522 is on CMS Addendum EE, the list of procedures excluded from ASC payment. Medicare does not pay for it in the ASC setting; it is typically performed in a hospital outpatient department (HOPD) or office instead.
Where is CPT 61522 typically performed?
Hospital outpatient department (POS 22) or office (POS 11). Not separately payable in an ASC.
Which specialties use CPT 61522?
CPT 61522 is most associated with Neurological Surgery.
Reference information compiled from the CMS April 2026 ASC payment addenda (AA, BB, EE). Codes, descriptors, and ASC payment status change with each CMS update. This is a coding reference, not billing, coding, or legal advice. Always verify against the current CMS addenda and individual payer policy before billing. CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.