25118 Excise wrist tendon sheath
Also known as: tendon sheath excision, synovial sheath removal
Excision of the tendon sheath (synovial lining surrounding a tendon) of the wrist to address infection, inflammation, or mechanical problems.
In Plain Language
removing tendon lining
Clinical Context
Indicated for chronic tenosynovitis, infectious tenosynovitis refractory to antibiotics, or mechanical problems with tendon gliding.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 4.40 |
| Total RVU | 4.40 |
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 4.40, this code ranks in the 30th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.8x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 25118?
CPT 25118 (Excise wrist tendon sheath) is a Surgery code. Excision of the tendon sheath (synovial lining surrounding a tendon) of the wrist to address infection, inflammation, or mechanical problems.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 25118?
The work RVU for CPT 25118 is 4.40. This code is primarily used by Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 25118 used?
Indicated for chronic tenosynovitis, infectious tenosynovitis refractory to antibiotics, or mechanical problems with tendon gliding.
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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.