21820 Treat sternum fracture
Also known as: sternal fracture conservative treatment, sternal fracture closed treatment
Treatment of closed sternum fracture. Non-surgical or minimally invasive management of sternal fracture without displacement or instability.
In Plain Language
breastbone fracture treatment; sternum break healing management
Clinical Context
Used for uncomplicated sternal fractures without displacement or significant instability. Conservative management includes pain control and activity modification. Rare need for operative intervention.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.33 |
| Total RVU | 1.33 |
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 1.33, this code ranks in the 7th percentile among Surgery codes — 6.0x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 21820?
CPT 21820 (Treat sternum fracture) is a Surgery code. Treatment of closed sternum fracture. Non-surgical or minimally invasive management of sternal fracture without displacement or instability.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 21820?
The work RVU for CPT 21820 is 1.33. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, General Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 21820 used?
Used for uncomplicated sternal fractures without displacement or significant instability. Conservative management includes pain control and activity modification. Rare need for operative intervention.
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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.