41251 Repair tongue laceration
Also known as: tongue laceration repair complex, extensive tongue wound closure, tongue wound with depth
Surgical repair of a laceration of the tongue with more extensive tissue involvement requiring complex closure.
In Plain Language
repairing larger tongue cut; tongue wound with deeper injury; complex tongue repair
Clinical Context
Used for more extensive tongue lacerations involving deeper structures or longer wounds. May require layer-by-layer closure.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.26 |
| Total RVU | 2.26 |
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 2.26, 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 41251?
CPT 41251 (Repair tongue laceration) is a Surgery code. Surgical repair of a laceration of the tongue with more extensive tissue involvement requiring complex closure.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 41251?
The work RVU for CPT 41251 is 2.26. This code is primarily used by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dentistry, Head and Neck Surgery. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 41251 used?
Used for more extensive tongue lacerations involving deeper structures or longer wounds. May require layer-by-layer closure.
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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.