11721 Debride nail 6 or more
Also known as: nail debridement multiple, nail cleaning
Debridement of nail(s) (6 or more nails). Removal of thickened, dystrophic, or abnormal nail tissue without complete nail removal for multiple nails.
In Plain Language
cleaning multiple nails; removing thick nails
Clinical Context
Used for removal of fungal-infected or thickened nails on multiple digits when conservative treatment is appropriate.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.53 |
| Total RVU | 0.53 |
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 0.53, this code ranks in the 1st percentile among Surgery codes — 15.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 11721?
CPT 11721 (Debride nail 6 or more) is a Surgery code. Debridement of nail(s) (6 or more nails). Removal of thickened, dystrophic, or abnormal nail tissue without complete nail removal for multiple nails.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 11721?
The work RVU for CPT 11721 is 0.53. This code is primarily used by Podiatry, Dermatology, Primary Care.
When is CPT 11721 used?
Used for removal of fungal-infected or thickened nails on multiple digits when conservative treatment is appropriate.
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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.