21344 Open treatment complicated front sinus fracture
Also known as: complex frontal sinus fracture, comminuted sinus fracture
Open treatment of complex frontal sinus fracture involving significant comminution, posterior table involvement, or nasofrontal duct injury.
In Plain Language
Surgery for complex forehead fracture
Clinical Context
Used for complicated frontal sinus fractures potentially involving dural laceration, posterior table, or nasofrontal duct.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 21.03 |
| Total RVU | 21.03 |
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 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 21.03, this code ranks in the 84th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.6x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 21344?
CPT 21344 (Open treatment complicated front sinus fracture) is a Surgery code. Open treatment of complex frontal sinus fracture involving significant comminution, posterior table involvement, or nasofrontal duct injury.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 21344?
The work RVU for CPT 21344 is 21.03. This code is primarily used by Otolaryngology, Maxillofacial Surgery, Neurosurgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 21344 used?
Used for complicated frontal sinus fractures potentially involving dural laceration, posterior table, or nasofrontal duct.
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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.