CGHS Brain Surgery Rate List: Craniotomy, VP Shunt and Brain Biopsy

Neurosurgical operations — craniotomy for bleeds or abscesses, shunt surgery for hydrocephalus, and brain biopsy — all carry notified CGHS package rates at empanelled hospitals.

The figures below are from the Office Memorandum effective 13 October 2025. Craniotomy for a subdural or extradural haematoma is Rs 69,700 at a non-NABH hospital, Rs 82,000 at a NABH hospital and Rs 94,300 at a super-speciality hospital.

CGHS Craniotomy and Brain Surgery Package Rates (effective 13 October 2025)

Neuro-surgery codes carry three rates — non-NABH, NABH and a higher super-speciality rate. The OM sets these rates for the semi-private ward: a general-ward entitlement is 5% lower and a private-ward entitlement 5% higher. Tier II cities are 10% lower and Tier III cities 20% lower than Tier I.

• Craniotomy and evacuation of a subdural haematoma, Non-NABH — Rs 69,700
• Craniotomy and evacuation of a subdural haematoma, NABH — Rs 82,000
• Craniotomy and evacuation of a subdural haematoma, Super Speciality — Rs 94,300
• Craniotomy and evacuation of an extradural haematoma, Non-NABH — Rs 69,700
• Craniotomy and evacuation of an extradural haematoma, NABH — Rs 82,000
• Craniotomy and evacuation of an extradural haematoma, Super Speciality — Rs 94,300
• Decompressive craniotomy for acute subdural haematoma, brain swelling or large infarct, Non-NABH — Rs 69,700
• Decompressive craniotomy for acute subdural haematoma, brain swelling or large infarct, NABH — Rs 82,000
• Decompressive craniotomy for acute subdural haematoma, brain swelling or large infarct, Super Speciality — Rs 94,300
• Burr hole evacuation of a chronic subdural haematoma, Non-NABH — Rs 53,550
• Burr hole evacuation of a chronic subdural haematoma, NABH — Rs 63,000
• Burr hole evacuation of a chronic subdural haematoma, Super Speciality — Rs 72,450
• Evacuation or excision of a brain abscess by craniotomy, Non-NABH — Rs 69,700
• Evacuation or excision of a brain abscess by craniotomy, NABH — Rs 82,000
• Evacuation or excision of a brain abscess by craniotomy, Super Speciality — Rs 94,300
• Excision of a lobe (frontal, temporal, cerebellum and similar), Non-NABH — Rs 69,700
• Excision of a lobe (frontal, temporal, cerebellum and similar), NABH — Rs 82,000
• Excision of a lobe (frontal, temporal, cerebellum and similar), Super Speciality — Rs 94,300
• Surgery for skull fractures, Non-NABH — Rs 64,600
• Surgery for skull fractures, NABH — Rs 76,000
• Surgery for skull fractures, Super Speciality — Rs 87,400
• Cranioplasty, Non-NABH — Rs 53,550
• Cranioplasty, NABH — Rs 63,000
• Cranioplasty, Super Speciality — Rs 72,450

Shunt Surgery for Hydrocephalus

• Ventriculoatrial or ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, Non-NABH — Rs 45,050
• Ventriculoatrial or ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, NABH — Rs 53,000
• Ventriculoatrial or ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, Super Speciality — Rs 60,950
• Programmable VP shunt (excluding the cost of the device), Non-NABH — Rs 53,550
• Programmable VP shunt (excluding the cost of the device), NABH — Rs 63,000
• Programmable VP shunt (excluding the cost of the device), Super Speciality — Rs 72,450
• Endoscopic third ventriculostomy, Non-NABH — Rs 45,050
• Endoscopic third ventriculostomy, NABH — Rs 53,000
• Endoscopic third ventriculostomy, Super Speciality — Rs 60,950

Brain Biopsy and Bedside Neurosurgical Procedures

These codes carry no separate super-speciality rate — a super-speciality hospital is billed the NABH figure.

• Brain biopsy, Non-NABH — Rs 36,550
• Brain biopsy, NABH — Rs 43,000
• Nerve biopsy, Non-NABH — Rs 17,000
• Nerve biopsy, NABH — Rs 20,000
• Brain mapping, Non-NABH — Rs 23,375
• Brain mapping, NABH — Rs 27,500
• Lumbar puncture, Non-NABH — Rs 2,550
• Lumbar puncture, NABH — Rs 3,000
• Lumbar pressure monitoring, Non-NABH — Rs 7,820
• Lumbar pressure monitoring, NABH — Rs 9,200

Rates shown are as per the CGHS approved package rates (Office Memorandum F.No.5-16/CGHS(HQ)/HEC/2024(PartI) dated 03.10.2025, effective 2025-10-13) (2025 (effective 13.10.2025)) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

How CGHS Package Rates Work

A CGHS "package rate" is an all-inclusive amount covering admission, surgeon and anaesthetist charges, operation theatre, nursing, routine investigations, medicines and accommodation for the standard length of stay.

Under the Office Memorandum effective 13 October 2025, a non-NABH hospital is paid 15% below the NABH rate, and for the specialities the memorandum names, a super-speciality hospital is paid 15% above the NABH rate.

The published rate is the semi-private ward figure: a general-ward entitlement is 5% lower and a private-ward entitlement 5% higher. Hospitals in Tier II cities are paid 10% less and in Tier III cities 20% less than in Tier I, with the North-East and the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Tier II rates.

Referral and Prior Permission

For planned (non-emergency) procedures, a CGHS beneficiary needs a referral from the CGHS wellness centre and prior permission from the competent authority. Emergency treatment at an empanelled hospital is reimbursed up to CGHS rates without prior permission.

• Carry a valid CGHS card and follow your ward entitlement (based on pay/pension)
• Use an empanelled hospital for cashless treatment up to CGHS rates
• Obtain prior permission and referral for planned surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the VP shunt package include the shunt device?

A standard ventriculoatrial or ventriculoperitoneal shunt is Rs 45,050 (non-NABH), Rs 53,000 (NABH) and Rs 60,950 (super-speciality). A programmable VP shunt has its own code, written "excluding the cost of the Device", at Rs 53,550, Rs 63,000 and Rs 72,450 — so the programmable valve is reimbursed separately against notified ceilings.

Are brain tumour operations covered?

Yes — the CGHS list carries craniotomy and excision codes for intracranial lesions; the applicable code and rate depend on the specific operation planned. Ask the hospital for the code quoted in your permission letter.

Related

• CGHS spine surgery rate list
• CGHS MRI and CT scan rates

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.