42420 Excise parotid gland/lesion
Also known as: complete parotidectomy, parotid removal
Surgical excision of the parotid gland with complex dissection, including removal of tumors with extension into deep lobe or requiring facial nerve reconstruction.
In Plain Language
removal of salivary gland with complex surgery
Clinical Context
Complete parotidectomy for malignant tumors, extensive disease, or deep lobe involvement requiring extensive dissection and facial nerve management.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 19.04 |
| Total RVU | 19.04 |
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 19.04, this code ranks in the 81st percentile among Surgery codes — 2.4x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 42420?
CPT 42420 (Excise parotid gland/lesion) is a Surgery code. Surgical excision of the parotid gland with complex dissection, including removal of tumors with extension into deep lobe or requiring facial nerve reconstruction.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 42420?
The work RVU for CPT 42420 is 19.04. This code is primarily used by Oral Surgery, Head and Neck Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 42420 used?
Complete parotidectomy for malignant tumors, extensive disease, or deep lobe involvement requiring extensive dissection and facial nerve management.
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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.