41009 Drainage of mouth lesion
Also known as: retropharyngeal abscess drainage, danger space drainage, deep neck space drainage
Surgical drainage of an abscess involving the retropharyngeal or danger space of the neck.
In Plain Language
draining deep neck infection; opening infection behind throat; serious neck abscess drainage
Clinical Context
Used for retropharyngeal or danger space (Space 4) infections requiring emergency surgical drainage. Serious infection with potential for airway compromise and mediastinitis.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 3.62 |
| Total RVU | 3.62 |
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 3.62, this code ranks in the 25th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 41009?
CPT 41009 (Drainage of mouth lesion) is a Surgery code. Surgical drainage of an abscess involving the retropharyngeal or danger space of the neck.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 41009?
The work RVU for CPT 41009 is 3.62. This code is primarily used by Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Emergency Medicine. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 41009 used?
Used for retropharyngeal or danger space (Space 4) infections requiring emergency surgical drainage. Serious infection with potential for airway compromise and mediastinitis.
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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.