25101 Explore/treat wrist joint
Also known as: wrist exploration, wrist joint exploration
Exploration of the wrist joint to identify and treat pathology including loose bodies, synovial lesions, or ligamentous injuries.
In Plain Language
examining inside wrist joint
Clinical Context
Performed for diagnostic evaluation and treatment of intra-articular pathology such as scapholunate ligament injuries, loose bodies, or synovitis.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 4.71 |
| Total RVU | 4.71 |
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 4.71, this code ranks in the 32nd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.7x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 25101?
CPT 25101 (Explore/treat wrist joint) is a Surgery code. Exploration of the wrist joint to identify and treat pathology including loose bodies, synovial lesions, or ligamentous injuries.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 25101?
The work RVU for CPT 25101 is 4.71. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 25101 used?
Performed for diagnostic evaluation and treatment of intra-articular pathology such as scapholunate ligament injuries, loose bodies, or synovitis.
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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.