43420 Repair esophagus opening
Also known as: cervical esophageal defect repair, esophageal opening repair, cervical esophageal closure
Repair of esophageal opening or esophageal wall defect via cervical approach with primary closure. This addresses cervical esophageal defects.
In Plain Language
repairing opening in cervical esophagus; esophageal defect closure
Clinical Context
Management of cervical esophageal perforations or defects from instrumentation, radiation, or trauma; cervical access simplifies repair.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 16.36 |
| Total RVU | 16.36 |
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 16.36, this code ranks in the 76th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.0x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 43420?
CPT 43420 (Repair esophagus opening) is a Surgery code. Repair of esophageal opening or esophageal wall defect via cervical approach with primary closure. This addresses cervical esophageal defects.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 43420?
The work RVU for CPT 43420 is 16.36. This code is primarily used by Surgery, Otolaryngology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 43420 used?
Management of cervical esophageal perforations or defects from instrumentation, radiation, or trauma; cervical access simplifies repair.
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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.