21557 Resection neck thorax tumor<5cm
Also known as: radical neck resection small, neck thorax tumor wide excision
Radical resection of neck and thorax tumor, less than 5 centimeters. Extensive surgical removal of neck and thorax mass with wide margins and regional node dissection, for lesion under 5 centimeters.
In Plain Language
extensive cancer surgery of neck and chest; wide removal of neck chest tumor
Clinical Context
Used for malignant neck and thoracic lesions requiring radical resection with adequate margins and lymph node clearance. Lesion size under 5 centimeters indicates earlier stage disease. Requires oncologic principles of wide margins.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 14.38 |
| Total RVU | 14.38 |
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 14.38, this code ranks in the 71st percentile among Surgery codes — 1.8x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 21557?
CPT 21557 (Resection neck thorax tumor<5cm) is a Surgery code. Radical resection of neck and thorax tumor, less than 5 centimeters. Extensive surgical removal of neck and thorax mass with wide margins and regional node dissection, for lesion under 5 centimeters.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 21557?
The work RVU for CPT 21557 is 14.38. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Otolaryngology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 21557 used?
Used for malignant neck and thoracic lesions requiring radical resection with adequate margins and lymph node clearance. Lesion size under 5 centimeters indicates earlier stage disease. Requires oncologic principles of wide margins.
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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.