39220 Resection mediastinal tumor
Also known as: mediastinal tumor resection, tumor excision
Surgical resection of a mediastinal tumor, which is a solid neoplasm in the central chest cavity. The tumor is removed along with surrounding tissue as indicated.
In Plain Language
removing a tumor in the chest
Clinical Context
Used for primary mediastinal malignancies (lymphoma, thymoma, germ cell tumors) or metastatic disease. May be combined with chemotherapy or radiation. Often requires extensive dissection.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 19.06 |
| Total RVU | 19.06 |
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 19.06, this code ranks in the 81st percentile among Surgery codes — 2.4x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 39220?
CPT 39220 (Resection mediastinal tumor) is a Surgery code. Surgical resection of a mediastinal tumor, which is a solid neoplasm in the central chest cavity. The tumor is removed along with surrounding tissue as indicated.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 39220?
The work RVU for CPT 39220 is 19.06. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, Surgical Oncology, General Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 39220 used?
Used for primary mediastinal malignancies (lymphoma, thymoma, germ cell tumors) or metastatic disease. May be combined with chemotherapy or radiation. Often requires extensive dissection.
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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.