41008 Drainage of mouth lesion
Also known as: parapharyngeal abscess drainage, lateral pharyngeal drainage, pharyngeal space drainage
Surgical drainage of an abscess involving the parapharyngeal space or lateral pharyngeal region.
In Plain Language
draining infection in neck space; opening infected area beside throat; neck abscess drainage
Clinical Context
Used for parapharyngeal (lateral pharyngeal) space infections requiring surgical drainage. May result from dental infections, pharyngitis, or tonsillitis with spread.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 3.37 |
| Total RVU | 3.37 |
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 3.37, this code ranks in the 23rd percentile among Surgery codes — 2.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 41008?
CPT 41008 (Drainage of mouth lesion) is a Surgery code. Surgical drainage of an abscess involving the parapharyngeal space or lateral pharyngeal region.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 41008?
The work RVU for CPT 41008 is 3.37. This code is primarily used by Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 41008 used?
Used for parapharyngeal (lateral pharyngeal) space infections requiring surgical drainage. May result from dental infections, pharyngitis, or tonsillitis with spread.
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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.