23333 Remove shoulder foreign body deep
Also known as: deep foreign body removal, intramuscular FB removal, deep FB extraction shoulder
Removal of foreign body from shoulder (deep). Extraction of foreign material from deep tissues, muscles, or joint space of shoulder region, requiring more extensive dissection.
In Plain Language
removal of deep lodged foreign object; foreign object removal from deep shoulder tissues
Clinical Context
Used for foreign bodies embedded in shoulder musculature, interstices, or joint spaces; requires careful tissue dissection to locate and remove with minimal additional trauma.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.85 |
| Total RVU | 5.85 |
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 5.85, this code ranks in the 39th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 23333?
CPT 23333 (Remove shoulder foreign body deep) is a Surgery code. Removal of foreign body from shoulder (deep). Extraction of foreign material from deep tissues, muscles, or joint space of shoulder region, requiring more extensive dissection.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 23333?
The work RVU for CPT 23333 is 5.85. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, General Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 23333 used?
Used for foreign bodies embedded in shoulder musculature, interstices, or joint spaces; requires careful tissue dissection to locate and remove with minimal additional trauma.
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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.