21497 Interdental wirg oth/thn fracture
Also known as: intermaxillary fixation, arch bar placement
Interdental wiring for fracture fixation other than fracture treatment alone. Application of interdental wiring techniques for purposes other than primary fracture fixation, such as maxillomandibular fixation for surgical procedures.
In Plain Language
wiring upper and lower teeth together; dental stabilization wiring
Clinical Context
Used for maxillomandibular fixation in orthognathic surgery or other procedures requiring temporary dental stabilization. Also used for non-surgical fracture management where primary fixation relies on arch bars and elastics.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 4.52 |
| Total RVU | 4.52 |
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 4.52, this code ranks in the 31st percentile among Surgery codes — 1.8x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 21497?
CPT 21497 (Interdental wirg oth/thn fracture) is a Surgery code. Interdental wiring for fracture fixation other than fracture treatment alone. Application of interdental wiring techniques for purposes other than primary fracture fixation, such as maxillomandibular fixation for surgical procedures.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 21497?
The work RVU for CPT 21497 is 4.52. This code is primarily used by Oral Surgery, Dentistry. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 21497 used?
Used for maxillomandibular fixation in orthognathic surgery or other procedures requiring temporary dental stabilization. Also used for non-surgical fracture management where primary fixation relies on arch bars and elastics.
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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.