43101 Excision of esophagus lesion
Also known as: esophageal cancer excision, malignant esophageal lesion removal
Excision (removal) of a malignant lesion of the esophagus with partial esophageal wall resection.
In Plain Language
removal of cancer from esophagus; esophageal cancer surgery
Clinical Context
Performed for esophageal malignancy including squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma. May include lymphadenectomy and requires careful anastomosis.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 16.64 |
| Total RVU | 16.64 |
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 16.64, this code ranks in the 76th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.1x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 43101?
CPT 43101 (Excision of esophagus lesion) is a Surgery code. Excision (removal) of a malignant lesion of the esophagus with partial esophageal wall resection.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 43101?
The work RVU for CPT 43101 is 16.64. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, Surgical Oncology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 43101 used?
Performed for esophageal malignancy including squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma. May include lymphadenectomy and requires careful anastomosis.
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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.