23931 incision and drainage upper a/e bursa
Also known as: bursa drainage, bursal I and D, olecranon bursa drainage
Incision and drainage (I&D) of upper arm/elbow, bursa (olecranon or other). Drainage of bursa around upper arm or elbow joint.
In Plain Language
drainage of fluid-filled sac in elbow; bursa drainage
Clinical Context
Used for infected or significantly enlarged bursa of upper arm/elbow; less extensive than deep tissue drainage but addresses localized bursal pathology.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.79 |
| Total RVU | 1.79 |
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 10-day global period — follow-up visits within 10 days of the procedure are included in the reimbursement. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.79, this code ranks in the 12th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.5x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 23931?
CPT 23931 (incision and drainage upper a/e bursa) is a Surgery code. Incision and drainage (I&D) of upper arm/elbow, bursa (olecranon or other). Drainage of bursa around upper arm or elbow joint.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 23931?
The work RVU for CPT 23931 is 1.79. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, General Surgery. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 23931 used?
Used for infected or significantly enlarged bursa of upper arm/elbow; less extensive than deep tissue drainage but addresses localized bursal pathology.
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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.