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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 21501 Fee Schedule
Last Verified: October 2026
Healthcare providers use this code to document and receive reimbursement for visits that address moderate-level medical decision-making, often including multiple diagnoses or prescription management.
Incision And Drainage Deep Ab, Incision And Drainage Deep Abscess Or Hematoma Softtissues Of Neck Or Thorax Incision And Drainage Deep Abscess Or Hematoma Soft
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Surgery Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System |
| Common Place of Service | 21 - Inpatient Hospital 22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital |
| Common Modifiers | None 78 - Return to OR - related procedure LT - Left side of body |
| Complexity Level | Moderate |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | View Medicare rates for 21501 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 21501 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 21501 by major payers:
$560.18
$602.34
$675.11
$546.48
Compare published rates across providers.
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CPT 21501
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Kc Surgicenter, LLC
Kc Surgicenter LLC
$3,273.00Published rateValley Surgical Center Ltd, Valley Surgery Center
Valley Surgical Center Ltd
$1,890.00Published rateNovamed Eye Surgery Center Of North County, LLC, Woodcrest Surgery Center
Novamed Eye Surgery Center Of North County LLC
$1,135.00Published rateCpm Surgery Center 3, LLC
Cpm Surgery Center 3 LLC
$900.00Published rateKristine Hays
Deaconess Hospital Inc
$368.01Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 21501 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System Codes
The CPT 21501 code is part of the Surgery services used for Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System. It represents a moderate-complexity encounter and is one of several codes that vary based on time spent, level of medical decision-making, and documentation requirements.
The CPT 21501 code involves more provider time and moderate medical decision-making, unlike lower-level codes that require less time and simpler assessments. It typically includes multiple diagnoses, medication management, or test interpretation, leading to higher reimbursement and more detailed documentation requirements.
| Code | Complexity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 21501-CPT | Moderate | Incision And Drainage Deep Ab, Incision And Drainage Deep Abscess Or Hematoma Softtissues Of Neck Or Thorax Incision And Drainage Deep Abscess Or Hematoma Soft |
| 21502-CPT | Moderate | Incision And Drainage Deep Ab, Incision And Drainage Deep Abscess Or Hematoma Softtissues Of Neck Or Thorax With Partial Rib Ostectomy Incision And Drainage Deep Abscess Or Hematoma Soft |
| 21510-CPT | Moderate | Ncision Deep W/ Open Of Bone Cortex (Eg For Osteomyeli Or, Incision Deep With Opening Of Bone Cortex (Eg For Osteomyelitis Or |
| 21550-CPT | Moderate | Biopsy Of Tissue Under Skin, A Procedure To Remove A Sample Of Soft Tissue From Near The Skin Surface For Testing (Biopsy). |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 21501. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 21501 fee schedule helps patients estimate costs and providers optimize billing for accurate reimbursements.
Factors that affect fee schedules
Medicare & Medicaid Rates
Government-set reimbursement amounts
Private Insurance Rates
Negotiated rates between providers and insurance companies
Geographic Location
Costs may be higher in urban areas.
Provider Type
Hospital providers may have different rates than private practice.
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