25085 Incision of wrist capsule
Also known as: wrist arthrotomy, wrist capsulotomy, wrist joint opening
Incision of the wrist joint capsule (arthrotomy) to access the joint space, remove debris, or address intra-articular pathology.
In Plain Language
opening wrist joint
Clinical Context
Performed for loose bodies, synovitis, infection, or evaluation of intra-articular lesions. Can be therapeutic or diagnostic.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.50 |
| Total RVU | 5.50 |
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 5.50, this code ranks in the 37th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.5x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 25085?
CPT 25085 (Incision of wrist capsule) is a Surgery code. Incision of the wrist joint capsule (arthrotomy) to access the joint space, remove debris, or address intra-articular pathology.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 25085?
The work RVU for CPT 25085 is 5.50. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 25085 used?
Performed for loose bodies, synovitis, infection, or evaluation of intra-articular lesions. Can be therapeutic or diagnostic.
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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.