41252 Repair tongue laceration
Also known as: extensive tongue laceration repair, tongue laceration with reconstruction, complex tongue wound repair
Surgical repair of a laceration of the tongue with extensive tissue involvement and possible reconstruction.
In Plain Language
repairing extensive tongue cut; major tongue wound repair; tongue laceration with tissue loss
Clinical Context
Used for very extensive tongue lacerations with significant tissue loss or involvement of multiple layers. May require tissue grafting.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.94 |
| Total RVU | 2.94 |
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 2.94, this code ranks in the 21st percentile among Surgery codes — 2.7x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 41252?
CPT 41252 (Repair tongue laceration) is a Surgery code. Surgical repair of a laceration of the tongue with extensive tissue involvement and possible reconstruction.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 41252?
The work RVU for CPT 41252 is 2.94. This code is primarily used by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Head and Neck Surgery. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 41252 used?
Used for very extensive tongue lacerations with significant tissue loss or involvement of multiple layers. May require tissue grafting.
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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.