10120 incision & removal foreign body subcutaneous tissue simple
Also known as: Simple foreign body removal, Subcutaneous FB removal, foreign body removal simple, splinter removal
Incision and removal of foreign body in subcutaneous tissue, simple. Surgical extraction of superficial embedded object.
In Plain Language
Removal of embedded object; Simple surgical extraction
Clinical Context
Common procedure for removal of superficial foreign bodies such as splinters, glass, or metal fragments in accessible locations.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.19 |
| Total RVU | 1.19 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 10-day global period — follow-up visits within 10 days of the procedure are included in the reimbursement. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.19, this code ranks in the 6th percentile among Surgery codes — 6.7x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 10120?
CPT 10120 (incision & removal foreign body subcutaneous tissue simple) is a Surgery code. Incision and removal of foreign body in subcutaneous tissue, simple. Surgical extraction of superficial embedded object.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 10120?
The work RVU for CPT 10120 is 1.19. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Emergency Surgery, Dermatology. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 10120 used?
Common procedure for removal of superficial foreign bodies such as splinters, glass, or metal fragments in accessible locations.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.