21602 excision ch wal tumor without lymphadec
Also known as: chest wall tumor with lymph node dissection, chest wall resection without extended node dissection
Excision of chest wall tumor with lymph node dissection without additional lymphadenectomy. Radical removal of chest wall malignancy with regional lymph node dissection limited to ipsilateral axillary or mediastinal nodes.
In Plain Language
chest wall cancer surgery with lymph node removal; chest tumor surgery with some node removal
Clinical Context
Used for chest wall malignancy with regional node involvement requiring nodal dissection. Represents moderate-extent lymph node dissection compared to more extensive procedures. Guides staging and adjuvant therapy decisions.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 21.64 |
| Total RVU | 21.64 |
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 21.64, this code ranks in the 84th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.7x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 21602?
CPT 21602 (excision ch wal tumor without lymphadec) is a Surgery code. Excision of chest wall tumor with lymph node dissection without additional lymphadenectomy. Radical removal of chest wall malignancy with regional lymph node dissection limited to ipsilateral axillary or mediastinal nodes.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 21602?
The work RVU for CPT 21602 is 21.64. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, General Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 21602 used?
Used for chest wall malignancy with regional node involvement requiring nodal dissection. Represents moderate-extent lymph node dissection compared to more extensive procedures. Guides staging and adjuvant therapy decisions.
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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.