42810 Excision of neck cyst
Also known as: neck cyst removal, cyst excision
Excision (surgical removal) of a cyst of the neck with simple technique and straightforward closure.
In Plain Language
surgery to remove a neck lump or cyst; cyst removal surgery
Clinical Context
Common procedure for benign neck cysts including branchial cleft cysts, thyroglossal duct cysts, or epidermoid cysts. Indicated for symptomatic lesions, infection, or diagnostic uncertainty.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 3.30 |
| Total RVU | 3.30 |
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 3.30, this code ranks in the 23rd percentile among Surgery codes — 2.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 42810?
CPT 42810 (Excision of neck cyst) is a Surgery code. Excision (surgical removal) of a cyst of the neck with simple technique and straightforward closure.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 42810?
The work RVU for CPT 42810 is 3.30. This code is primarily used by Otolaryngology, General Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 42810 used?
Common procedure for benign neck cysts including branchial cleft cysts, thyroglossal duct cysts, or epidermoid cysts. Indicated for symptomatic lesions, infection, or diagnostic uncertainty.
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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.