42405 Biopsy of salivary gland
Also known as: salivary gland biopsy, open biopsy
Surgical open biopsy or partial excision of salivary gland tissue for diagnosis and potential therapeutic removal of lesions.
In Plain Language
surgical tissue sample from salivary gland
Clinical Context
Open surgical biopsy of salivary gland masses, tumors, or lesions requiring tissue diagnosis and potential specimen removal.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 3.26 |
| Total RVU | 3.26 |
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 3.26, this code ranks in the 23rd percentile among Surgery codes — 2.5x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 42405?
CPT 42405 (Biopsy of salivary gland) is a Surgery code. Surgical open biopsy or partial excision of salivary gland tissue for diagnosis and potential therapeutic removal of lesions.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 42405?
The work RVU for CPT 42405 is 3.26. This code is primarily used by Oral Surgery, Dentistry. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 42405 used?
Open surgical biopsy of salivary gland masses, tumors, or lesions requiring tissue diagnosis and potential specimen removal.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
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.