21510 incision deep opng bone crtx thorax
Also known as: thoracic bone incision, rib cortex opening
Incision of deep opening into bone cortex of thorax. Surgical incision into thoracic bone providing access for drainage, biopsy, or treatment of deep thoracic pathology.
In Plain Language
surgical opening into chest bone; thoracic bone drainage
Clinical Context
Used for access to deep thoracic infections, foreign bodies, or other pathology requiring bone incision. Provides exposure to thoracic cavity without formal thoracotomy. Requires careful technique to avoid intrathoracic organ injury.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.05 |
| Total RVU | 6.05 |
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 6.05, this code ranks in the 40th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.3x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 21510?
CPT 21510 (incision deep opng bone crtx thorax) is a Surgery code. Incision of deep opening into bone cortex of thorax. Surgical incision into thoracic bone providing access for drainage, biopsy, or treatment of deep thoracic pathology.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 21510?
The work RVU for CPT 21510 is 6.05. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Thoracic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 21510 used?
Used for access to deep thoracic infections, foreign bodies, or other pathology requiring bone incision. Provides exposure to thoracic cavity without formal thoracotomy. Requires careful technique to avoid intrathoracic organ injury.
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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.