CPT 61596
Transcochlear approach/skull
CPT 61596 at a glance
- Code
- 61596
- Code type
- CPT/HCPCS (Add. EE)
- Short descriptor
- Transcochlear approach/skull
- 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 61596?
CPT 61596 is a CPT/HCPCS (Add. EE) procedure code. Its official CMS short descriptor is "Transcochlear approach/skull". In the ASC context it is grouped under Excluded from ASC Pay (Add. EE).
Is CPT 61596 payable in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC)?
CPT 61596 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 61596 typically performed?
Hospital outpatient department (POS 22) or office (POS 11). Not separately payable in an ASC.
Which specialties use CPT 61596?
CPT 61596 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.