11720 Debride nail 1-5
Also known as: nail debridement, nail cleaning
Debridement of nail(s) (1 to 5 nails). Removal of thickened, dystrophic, or abnormal nail tissue without complete nail removal.
In Plain Language
cleaning nails; removing thick nail
Clinical Context
Used for removal of fungal-infected or thickened nails when conservative treatment is appropriate. Common for onychomycosis.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.31 |
| Total RVU | 0.31 |
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 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 0.31, this code ranks in the 0th percentile among Surgery codes — 25.8x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 11720?
CPT 11720 (Debride nail 1-5) is a Surgery code. Debridement of nail(s) (1 to 5 nails). Removal of thickened, dystrophic, or abnormal nail tissue without complete nail removal.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 11720?
The work RVU for CPT 11720 is 0.31. This code is primarily used by Podiatry, Dermatology, Primary Care.
When is CPT 11720 used?
Used for removal of fungal-infected or thickened nails when conservative treatment is appropriate. Common for onychomycosis.
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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.