21431 Cltx craniofacial separation
Also known as: Le Fort closed treatment, craniofacial separation closed reduction
Closed treatment of craniofacial separation (Le Fort fracture or similar high maxillary fractures). Non-surgical management with external fixation, arch bars, or conservative stabilization of maxillomalar complex separation from cranial base.
In Plain Language
upper face fracture treatment without surgery; facial separation closed treatment
Clinical Context
Used for craniofacial separations amenable to non-operative management. Indicated when fractures are minimally displaced or patient factors preclude surgery. Commonly involves guiding occlusion to appropriate position using wiring.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 7.70 |
| Total RVU | 7.70 |
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 7.70, this code ranks in the 49th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.0x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 21431?
CPT 21431 (Cltx craniofacial separation) is a Surgery code. Closed treatment of craniofacial separation (Le Fort fracture or similar high maxillary fractures). Non-surgical management with external fixation, arch bars, or conservative stabilization of maxillomalar complex separation from cranial base.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 21431?
The work RVU for CPT 21431 is 7.70. This code is primarily used by Oral Surgery, Otolaryngology, Plastic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 21431 used?
Used for craniofacial separations amenable to non-operative management. Indicated when fractures are minimally displaced or patient factors preclude surgery. Commonly involves guiding occlusion to appropriate position using wiring.
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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.