10121 incision & removal foreign body subcutaneous tissue complicated
Also known as: Complex foreign body removal, Complicated subcutaneous FB removal, foreign body removal complicated, foreign body removal complex
Incision and removal of foreign body in subcutaneous tissue, complicated. Surgical extraction of deeply embedded or multiple foreign bodies requiring extensive dissection.
In Plain Language
Removal of complex embedded object; Complicated surgical extraction
Clinical Context
Used for retained foreign bodies in deeper layers, multiple objects, significant inflammation, or previous attempts at extraction.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.67 |
| Total RVU | 2.67 |
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 2.67, this code ranks in the 18th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.0x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 10121?
CPT 10121 (incision & removal foreign body subcutaneous tissue complicated) is a Surgery code. Incision and removal of foreign body in subcutaneous tissue, complicated. Surgical extraction of deeply embedded or multiple foreign bodies requiring extensive dissection.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 10121?
The work RVU for CPT 10121 is 2.67. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Emergency Surgery, Trauma Surgery. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 10121 used?
Used for retained foreign bodies in deeper layers, multiple objects, significant inflammation, or previous attempts at extraction.
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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.