21935 Resection back tumor < 5 centimeters
Also known as: radical back tumor resection small, back tumor wide excision
Radical resection of back tumor, less than 5 centimeters. Extensive surgical removal of back malignancy with wide margins, for lesion under 5 centimeters.
In Plain Language
extensive cancer surgery of back; wide removal of back tumor
Clinical Context
Used for malignant back lesions requiring radical resection with adequate margins. Lesion size under 5 centimeters indicates earlier stage disease. Requires oncologic principles of wide margins.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 15.33 |
| Total RVU | 15.33 |
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 15.33, this code ranks in the 74th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.9x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 21935?
CPT 21935 (Resection back tumor < 5 centimeters) is a Surgery code. Radical resection of back tumor, less than 5 centimeters. Extensive surgical removal of back malignancy with wide margins, for lesion under 5 centimeters.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 21935?
The work RVU for CPT 21935 is 15.33. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 21935 used?
Used for malignant back lesions requiring radical resection with adequate margins. Lesion size under 5 centimeters indicates earlier stage disease. Requires oncologic principles of wide margins.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
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.