23405 Incision of tendon & muscle
Also known as: shoulder incision and drainage, shoulder I and D, shoulder abscess drainage
Incision and drainage (exploration) of shoulder and arm, including deep structures (muscles and fascia). Surgical opening of shoulder region for drainage of abscess or hematoma.
In Plain Language
surgical drainage of shoulder infection; opening shoulder to drain fluid
Clinical Context
Performed for septic arthritis, shoulder abscess, hematoma, or post-operative infection requiring surgical drainage; allows irrigation and removal of purulent material.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 8.33 |
| Total RVU | 8.33 |
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 8.33, this code ranks in the 52nd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.0x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 23405?
CPT 23405 (Incision of tendon & muscle) is a Surgery code. Incision and drainage (exploration) of shoulder and arm, including deep structures (muscles and fascia). Surgical opening of shoulder region for drainage of abscess or hematoma.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 23405?
The work RVU for CPT 23405 is 8.33. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, General Surgery, Infectious Disease. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 23405 used?
Performed for septic arthritis, shoulder abscess, hematoma, or post-operative infection requiring surgical drainage; allows irrigation and removal of purulent material.
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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.