21616 excision first and/or crv rib with sympth
Also known as: first rib resection with sympathectomy, cervical rib removal with sympathetic resection
Excision of first and/or cervical rib with sympathetic chain resection. Surgical removal of cervical rib or first rib combined with resection of cervical sympathetic chain for thoracic outlet syndrome with sympathetic involvement.
In Plain Language
removal of rib and nerve surgery; thoracic outlet surgery with nerve treatment
Clinical Context
Used for thoracic outlet syndrome with associated sympathetic dysfunction or stellate ganglion involvement. Combination procedure addresses both structural compression and sympathetic-mediated symptoms.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 12.37 |
| Total RVU | 12.37 |
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 12.37, this code ranks in the 66th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.5x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 21616?
CPT 21616 (excision first and/or crv rib with sympth) is a Surgery code. Excision of first and/or cervical rib with sympathetic chain resection. Surgical removal of cervical rib or first rib combined with resection of cervical sympathetic chain for thoracic outlet syndrome with sympathetic involvement.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 21616?
The work RVU for CPT 21616 is 12.37. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 21616 used?
Used for thoracic outlet syndrome with associated sympathetic dysfunction or stellate ganglion involvement. Combination procedure addresses both structural compression and sympathetic-mediated symptoms.
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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.