23406 Incise tendon(s) & muscle(s)
Also known as: extended shoulder incision and drainage, complex shoulder drainage, multi-compartment drainage
Incision and drainage (exploration) of shoulder and arm, extended beyond standard incision including additional muscular compartments and deep planes.
In Plain Language
deeper surgical drainage of shoulder; extensive shoulder opening for drainage
Clinical Context
Used for extensive infections, necrotizing soft tissue disease, or complex abscess involving multiple compartments around shoulder requiring comprehensive drainage and debridement.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 10.73 |
| Total RVU | 10.73 |
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 10.73, this code ranks in the 61st percentile among Surgery codes — 1.3x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 23406?
CPT 23406 (Incise tendon(s) & muscle(s)) is a Surgery code. Incision and drainage (exploration) of shoulder and arm, extended beyond standard incision including additional muscular compartments and deep planes.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 23406?
The work RVU for CPT 23406 is 10.73. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, General Surgery, Infectious Disease. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 23406 used?
Used for extensive infections, necrotizing soft tissue disease, or complex abscess involving multiple compartments around shoulder requiring comprehensive drainage and debridement.
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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.