21813 Treatment of rib fracture
Also known as: multiple rib fracture ORIF, complex rib fracture fixation
Open treatment of rib fracture with fixation including multiple complex fractures. Surgical open reduction and fixation of multiple rib fractures or complex fracture patterns with extensive reconstruction.
In Plain Language
surgery for multiple rib breaks; extensive rib fracture repair
Clinical Context
Used for severe rib fractures with multiple sites or complex patterns causing significant flail chest. Extensive fixation of multiple fractures restores chest wall mechanics and improves pulmonary function.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 17.17 |
| Total RVU | 17.17 |
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 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 17.17, this code ranks in the 78th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.1x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 21813?
CPT 21813 (Treatment of rib fracture) is a Surgery code. Open treatment of rib fracture with fixation including multiple complex fractures. Surgical open reduction and fixation of multiple rib fractures or complex fracture patterns with extensive reconstruction.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 21813?
The work RVU for CPT 21813 is 17.17. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, Trauma Surgery.
When is CPT 21813 used?
Used for severe rib fractures with multiple sites or complex patterns causing significant flail chest. Extensive fixation of multiple fractures restores chest wall mechanics and improves pulmonary function.
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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.