21480 Cltx tmprmand dislc first/sbsq
Also known as: TMJ dislocation reduction, jaw dislocation closed reduction
Closed treatment of temporomandibular joint dislocation, first or subsequent occurrence. Non-surgical reduction of temporomandibular joint dislocation with manual manipulation to restore normal joint alignment.
In Plain Language
jaw joint popping back into place; jaw dislocation realignment
Clinical Context
Used for temporomandibular joint dislocation amenable to manual reduction. First-time and recurrent dislocations can be managed non-operatively. Patient requires post-reduction jaw mobility restrictions and may need muscle relaxants.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.59 |
| Total RVU | 0.59 |
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 0.59, this code ranks in the 1st percentile among Surgery codes — 13.6x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 21480?
CPT 21480 (Cltx tmprmand dislc first/sbsq) is a Surgery code. Closed treatment of temporomandibular joint dislocation, first or subsequent occurrence. Non-surgical reduction of temporomandibular joint dislocation with manual manipulation to restore normal joint alignment.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 21480?
The work RVU for CPT 21480 is 0.59. This code is primarily used by Oral Surgery, Dentistry.
When is CPT 21480 used?
Used for temporomandibular joint dislocation amenable to manual reduction. First-time and recurrent dislocations can be managed non-operatively. Patient requires post-reduction jaw mobility restrictions and may need muscle relaxants.
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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.