23440 Remove/transplant tendon
Also known as: shoulder tendon transfer, tendon rerouting, tendon removal shoulder
Removal or transfer of shoulder tendon. Rerouting or transfer of shoulder tendon (excluding rotator cuff) for functional restoration or decompression.
In Plain Language
moving a shoulder tendon to another location; shoulder tendon rearrangement
Clinical Context
Applied in subscapularis transfer for posterior instability, biceps transfer, or other tendon transfers to improve shoulder mechanics and function.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 10.37 |
| Total RVU | 10.37 |
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 10.37, this code ranks in the 60th 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 23440?
CPT 23440 (Remove/transplant tendon) is a Surgery code. Removal or transfer of shoulder tendon. Rerouting or transfer of shoulder tendon (excluding rotator cuff) for functional restoration or decompression.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 23440?
The work RVU for CPT 23440 is 10.37. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 23440 used?
Applied in subscapularis transfer for posterior instability, biceps transfer, or other tendon transfers to improve shoulder mechanics and function.
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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.