42809 Remove pharynx foreign body
Also known as: foreign body removal, pharyngeal foreign body extraction
Removal of a foreign body from the pharynx (throat) via transoral approach.
In Plain Language
removal of swallowed object from throat; foreign object removal
Clinical Context
Emergency or urgent procedure for patients who have swallowed foreign objects. Common in children but also occurs in adults with dentures or food impaction.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.81 |
| Total RVU | 1.81 |
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 1.81, this code ranks in the 12th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 42809?
CPT 42809 (Remove pharynx foreign body) is a Surgery code. Removal of a foreign body from the pharynx (throat) via transoral approach.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 42809?
The work RVU for CPT 42809 is 1.81. This code is primarily used by Otolaryngology, Emergency Medicine. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 42809 used?
Emergency or urgent procedure for patients who have swallowed foreign objects. Common in children but also occurs in adults with dentures or food impaction.
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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.