38300 Drainage lymph node lesion
Also known as: Lymph node drainage, Cyst drainage
Drainage of lymph node lesion or cyst using needle aspiration or incision with drainage for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
In Plain Language
Draining swollen lymph node
Clinical Context
Performed for infected lymph nodes (lymphadenitis), cystic hygroma, or diagnostic fluid aspiration from nodal lesions.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.30 |
| Total RVU | 2.30 |
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 2.30, this code ranks in the 16th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.5x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 38300?
CPT 38300 (Drainage lymph node lesion) is a Surgery code. Drainage of lymph node lesion or cyst using needle aspiration or incision with drainage for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 38300?
The work RVU for CPT 38300 is 2.30. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Otolaryngology. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 38300 used?
Performed for infected lymph nodes (lymphadenitis), cystic hygroma, or diagnostic fluid aspiration from nodal lesions.
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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.