64821 Sympathectomy radial artery
Also known as: radial artery sympathectomy, radial artery stripping
Surgical sympathectomy of the radial artery and its sympathetic innervation. Performs stripping of nerve plexus around the radial artery to improve distal hand blood flow.
In Plain Language
radial artery nerve surgery; thumb/radial side hand surgery
Clinical Context
Used for severe Raynaud's phenomenon or vascular insufficiency affecting the radial aspect of the hand. May be combined with ulnar artery sympathectomy for complete hand coverage.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 9.10 |
| Total RVU | 9.10 |
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 9.10, this code ranks in the 55th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.1x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 64821?
CPT 64821 (Sympathectomy radial artery) is a Surgery code. Surgical sympathectomy of the radial artery and its sympathetic innervation. Performs stripping of nerve plexus around the radial artery to improve distal hand blood flow.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 64821?
The work RVU for CPT 64821 is 9.10. This code is primarily used by Vascular Surgery, Hand Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 64821 used?
Used for severe Raynaud's phenomenon or vascular insufficiency affecting the radial aspect of the hand. May be combined with ulnar artery sympathectomy for complete hand coverage.
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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.