Key CPT Codes
| CPT | Descriptor | wRVU | Medicare estimate | Global |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20100 | Expl pentrg wound neck | 10.12 | $545.77 | 10 |
| 20101 | Expl pentrg wound chest | 3.15 | $626.27 | 10 |
| 20103 | Exploration of penetrating extremity wound separate procedure | 5.21 | $316.64 | 10 |
| 32151 | Remove lung foreign body | 16.52 | $968.63 | 90 |
| 32551 | Tube thoracostomy, includes connection to drainage system | 2.96 | $142.96 | 0 |
| 49000 | Exploratory laparotomy, exploratory celiotomy with or without biopsy(s) | 12.23 | $728.81 | 90 |
| 49020 | Drainage abdom abscess open | 26.0 | $1,488.01 | 90 |
| 44120 | Enterectomy, resection of small intestine; single resection and anastomosis | 20.3 | $1,136.30 | 90 |
| 44140 | Colectomy, partial; with anastomosis | 22.03 | $1,250.20 | 90 |
| 21811 | Open treatment of rib fracture(s) with internal fixation, includes thoracoscopy, first 3 ribs | 10.52 | $544.77 | 0 |
| 21812 | Open treatment of rib fracture(s), each additional 3 ribs (add-on) | 12.68 | $655.33 | 0 |
Coding Decision Points
- Use injury site, approach, and actual repair/resection work to choose CPT codes.
- Do not let the trauma diagnosis substitute for operative detail.
- Rib fixation add-on logic and staged reoperation modifiers require careful metadata review.
Common Documentation Gaps
Document injury mechanism only as context; CPT support comes from exploration, repair, resection, drainage, tube placement, fixation levels, and staged return details.
FAQ
What is CPT 20100?
CPT 20100 is exploration of a penetrating wound of the neck.
Does trauma surgery have one CPT family?
No. Trauma coding spans wound exploration, thoracic, abdominal, vascular, soft tissue, rib fixation, and critical care families.