40831 Repair mouth laceration
Also known as: lip laceration repair, lip wound closure, lip suturing
Repair of lacerations of the lip involving muscle and mucosa with primary suturing technique.
In Plain Language
stitching a cut on the lip; lip wound repair; lip injury closure
Clinical Context
Used for traumatic lacerations of the lip that extend through the mucosa and muscle layers requiring surgical closure. Common after blunt facial trauma, accidents, or interpersonal violence.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.51 |
| Total RVU | 2.51 |
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 2.51, this code ranks in the 17th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 40831?
CPT 40831 (Repair mouth laceration) is a Surgery code. Repair of lacerations of the lip involving muscle and mucosa with primary suturing technique.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 40831?
The work RVU for CPT 40831 is 2.51. This code is primarily used by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Emergency Medicine. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 40831 used?
Used for traumatic lacerations of the lip that extend through the mucosa and muscle layers requiring surgical closure. Common after blunt facial trauma, accidents, or interpersonal violence.
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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.