42226 Lengthening of palate
Also known as: palate lengthening, velopharyngeal surgery
Surgical lengthening of the soft palate to improve velopharyngeal closure and function, often for speech improvement or obstructive conditions.
In Plain Language
lengthening surgery on soft palate
Clinical Context
Performed for velopharyngeal insufficiency, hyponasal speech, or obstructive sleep apnea to extend soft palate length and improve pharyngeal mechanics.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 10.09 |
| Total RVU | 10.09 |
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 10.09, this code ranks in the 59th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.3x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 42226?
CPT 42226 (Lengthening of palate) is a Surgery code. Surgical lengthening of the soft palate to improve velopharyngeal closure and function, often for speech improvement or obstructive conditions.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 42226?
The work RVU for CPT 42226 is 10.09. This code is primarily used by Oral Surgery, Otolaryngology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 42226 used?
Performed for velopharyngeal insufficiency, hyponasal speech, or obstructive sleep apnea to extend soft palate length and improve pharyngeal mechanics.
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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.