42900 Repair throat wound
Also known as: pharyngeal wound repair, throat laceration repair
Repair of an acute or traumatic wound of the pharynx (throat) with primary closure.
In Plain Language
stitching a throat wound; throat injury repair
Clinical Context
Performed for acute pharyngeal trauma, iatrogenic perforation, or penetrating injury. Requires careful repair with attention to airway management and risk of infection.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.16 |
| Total RVU | 5.16 |
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 5.16, this code ranks in the 35th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.5x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 42900?
CPT 42900 (Repair throat wound) is a Surgery code. Repair of an acute or traumatic wound of the pharynx (throat) with primary closure.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 42900?
The work RVU for CPT 42900 is 5.16. This code is primarily used by Otolaryngology, Emergency Surgery. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 42900 used?
Performed for acute pharyngeal trauma, iatrogenic perforation, or penetrating injury. Requires careful repair with attention to airway management and risk of infection.
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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.