CPT 10140Surgery

I&d hmtma seroma/fluid collj

CPT 10140 covers the drainage of accumulated blood (hematoma), clear fluid (seroma), or other fluid collections under the skin using a needle or small incision. This is a common minor surgical procedure to relieve swelling and pressure from fluid buildup.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$164.64

This calculator gives a typical-case estimate using standard Medicare modifier rules. Actual payment depends on payer policies, documentation, code-specific CMS status indicators, and locality. Verify before billing.

RVU breakdown

Work RVU

1.58

PE RVU (NF)

3.3

MP RVU

0.21

Total RVU

5.09

Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Document the specific site, size of collection (in cm or mL evacuated), and method used (needle aspiration vs. incision)
Impact: Prevents downcoding to simple aspiration code 10160 which reimburses $40-60 less
Bill in non-facility setting when performed in office to capture the $48.19 higher reimbursement ($164.64 vs $116.45)
Impact: Can add $2,400+ annually for practices performing 50 procedures per year
Always append modifier 25 when performing same-day E/M service, with documentation showing the E/M was separately identifiable
Impact: Captures additional $75-200 for E/M visit that would otherwise be denied as bundled
Use modifier 59 or XS when draining multiple distinct collections rather than billing 10140 multiple times without modifier
Impact: Prevents automatic denial of second unit; secures full payment for multiple sites (additional $164.64 per site)
For post-operative seromas within the global period, document complications and use modifier 78 to override global bundling
Impact: Allows payment during 10-day global period when normally bundled; recovers $80-100 per procedure
Submit with appropriate ICD-10 codes indicating post-procedural seroma (T81.42XA) or traumatic hematoma (location-specific) to support medical necessity
Impact: Reduces denial rate by 15-25% by establishing clear medical necessity upfront

Common denials

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 10140 in 2025?

Medicare pays $164.64 for CPT 10140 in non-facility settings and $116.45 in facility settings based on the 2025 Physician Fee Schedule. The difference reflects practice expense costs covered in non-facility environments.

What is the difference between CPT 10140 and 10160?

CPT 10140 is for incision and drainage of hematoma, seroma, or fluid collection requiring more than simple aspiration, while 10160 covers simple puncture aspiration of fluid collections. Code 10140 typically involves incision, more complex technique, or larger collections and reimburses at a higher rate.

Can CPT 10140 be billed with an E/M code on the same day?

Yes, CPT 10140 can be billed with a same-day E/M service when modifier 25 is appended to the E/M code. Documentation must clearly show the E/M service was separately identifiable and significant beyond the typical pre-procedure evaluation.

How many RVUs is CPT code 10140 worth?

CPT 10140 has a total of 5.09 RVUs: 1.58 work RVUs, 3.3 practice expense RVUs (non-facility), 1.81 practice expense RVUs (facility), and 0.21 malpractice RVUs based on the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

Can you bill CPT 10140 during the global period of another surgery?

CPT 10140 has a 10-day global period. If performed during the global period of another procedure, it is typically bundled unless modifier 78 (related complication) or 79 (unrelated procedure) is used with appropriate documentation justifying separate payment.

What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for CPT 10140?

Common supporting ICD-10 codes include T81.42XA (post-procedural seroma), various hematoma codes by location (e.g., S30.1 for abdominal wall contusion with hematoma), L76.31 (postprocedural hematoma), and site-specific traumatic hematoma codes. The diagnosis must justify the drainage intervention.

Can CPT 10140 be billed bilaterally with modifier 50?

Yes, modifier 50 can be used when bilateral drainage procedures are performed (such as draining hematomas on both arms). Medicare typically reimburses bilateral procedures at 150% of the single procedure rate, though this varies by payer and should be verified.