42961 Control throat bleeding
Also known as: pharyngeal hemorrhage control with ligation, complex throat bleeding control
Control of hemorrhage (bleeding) from the pharynx (throat) with moderate complexity including vessel ligation or cauterization.
In Plain Language
stopping throat bleeding with vessel treatment; complex throat hemorrhage control
Clinical Context
Indicated for significant pharyngeal hemorrhage requiring vessel ligation, cauterization, or cautery with increased operative time. May require identification and direct vessel treatment.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.63 |
| Total RVU | 5.63 |
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 5.63, this code ranks in the 38th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 42961?
CPT 42961 (Control throat bleeding) is a Surgery code. Control of hemorrhage (bleeding) from the pharynx (throat) with moderate complexity including vessel ligation or cauterization.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 42961?
The work RVU for CPT 42961 is 5.63. This code is primarily used by Otolaryngology, Emergency Medicine. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 42961 used?
Indicated for significant pharyngeal hemorrhage requiring vessel ligation, cauterization, or cautery with increased operative time. May require identification and direct vessel treatment.
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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.