{"id":176236,"date":"2026-08-12T11:47:54","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T11:47:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/?p=176236"},"modified":"2026-08-12T12:13:53","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T12:13:53","slug":"cpt-code-21750","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/","title":{"rendered":"CPT code 21750: Closure of median sternotomy separation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"MedicalWebPage\",\"headline\":\"CPT code 21750: Closure of median sternotomy separation\",\"description\":\"CPT 21750 covers median sternotomy re-closure. Debridement is bundled, the global period runs 90 days, and dehiscence codes to T81.320A.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/\",\"audience\":{\"@type\":\"MedicalAudience\",\"audienceType\":\"Clinician\"},\"reviewedBy\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Dr Vanja Kitanova\",\"jobTitle\":\"Medical Reviewer\",\"affiliation\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Pabau\"},\"knowsAbout\":[\"Medical Coding\",\"Clinical Documentation\",\"Healthcare Billing\",\"Clinical Safety\"],\"sameAs\":\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/author\/vanja\/\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-10\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-12\"}<\/script>\n\n\n        <div id=\"key_takeaways\">\n            <div class=\"header\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Key-Takeaways-Icon.svg\" alt=\"Key takeaways\" height=\"42\" width=\"42\">\n                                <h3>Key takeaways<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"list\">\n                                                            <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>CPT code 21750 covers closure of median sternotomy separation, with or without debridement, and the AMA classifies it as a separate procedure.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>Debridement is already inside the descriptor, so billing a debridement code alongside CPT 21750 is an unbundling violation.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>The separate procedure designation blocks a standalone claim when a more comprehensive thoracic procedure happens in the same session.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>Sternal dehiscence claims pair with T81.320A for the initial encounter and T81.320D for a subsequent encounter.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>CPT 21750 carries a 90-day global period, so routine post-operative wound checks are bundled into the payment.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CPT code 21750 covers closure of median sternotomy separation, with or without debridement. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/practice-management\/cpt\/cpt-code-set-overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">American Medical Association<\/a> designates it a separate procedure, and that single word decides when you can bill it on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The code applies when a sternum opened for cardiac surgery separates afterward and needs surgical re-closure. Sternal dehiscence, mediastinitis, and mechanical instability are the usual triggers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide covers the descriptor, the clinical indications, the modifiers, and the ICD-10 crosswalk. It also covers Medicare reimbursement, the 90-day global period, and the errors that send these claims back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pabau.com\/cdn\/attachments\/pulse\/content-engine\/billing_codes\/cpt-code-21750\/track-claims-from-start-to-finish.webp\" alt=\"Pabau claims management dashboard showing claim status from submission to payment\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Pabau&rsquo;s claims tracking shows where every CPT 21750 claim sits, so a denial surfaces before the appeal window closes.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px;width:800px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"CPT Coding Pitfalls Every Medical Practice Faces\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vbvV5okdXKg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-procedure-description-and-clinical-indications\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Procedure description and clinical indications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A median sternotomy is the standard access incision for open-heart surgery. It divides the sternum vertically to expose the chest cavity. When the two halves fail to heal and pull apart afterward, the result is sternal dehiscence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CPT 21750 covers the full repair. The surgeon re-approximates the separated sternal halves and secures them with wires, plates, or other fixation hardware. The phrase \u00ab\u00a0with or without debridement\u00a0\u00bb means infected or necrotic tissue can be removed in the same session without a second code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/medical-forms-at-your-healthcare-practice\/\">surgical documentation<\/a> should still record whether debridement was performed. It does not change the code you bill, but it supports medical necessity if the claim is reviewed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-primary-clinical-indications\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Primary clinical indications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Post-cardiac surgery sternal dehiscence:<\/strong> The most frequent trigger, seen when sternal wires loosen or the bone fails to fuse after bypass grafting or valve replacement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mediastinitis:<\/strong> Deep sternal wound infection reaching the mediastinum, which often needs debridement alongside the re-closure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Post-sternotomy instability:<\/strong> Mechanical instability without infection, where the sternal halves shift or cause pain on breathing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wound breakdown with skin involvement:<\/strong> Superficial separation that progresses into the deeper sternal layers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check the operative report for language confirming both separation and fixation. \u00ab\u00a0Closure of sternotomy\u00a0\u00bb on its own does not meet the descriptor. Routine closure at the end of a primary operation is a different event from repairing a pathological separation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-cpt-21750-modifiers-and-when-to-use-them\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">CPT 21750 modifiers and when to use them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modifier choice depends on the clinical context, the payer, and whether other procedures happened in the same session. The table below covers the modifiers most often applied to this code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Modifier<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Name<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">When to use it with CPT 21750<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">-22<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Increased procedural services<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">The re-closure was substantially more complex than typical, such as extensive mediastinal debridement or complex fixation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">-51<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Multiple procedures<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Another surgical procedure was performed in the same session and the re-closure is still separately billable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">-59<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Distinct procedural service<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">The re-closure happened at a distinct session or for a separate indication. It clears NCCI bundling edits when documentation backs it up<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">-XU<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Unusual non-overlapping service<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">A more specific alternative to -59, used when the service does not overlap with any concurrent procedure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">-78<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Unplanned return to the operating room<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">The re-closure happened on an unplanned return to theater inside the original procedure&rsquo;s global period<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">-79<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Unrelated procedure during the global period<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">The re-closure falls inside another procedure&rsquo;s global period and is unrelated to that surgery<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modifier -22 needs documentation explaining why the work exceeded the typical case. Payers usually want the operative note, and some ask for more records before paying the higher amount. Send a short cover letter summarizing the extra work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-billing-rules-the-separate-procedure-designation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Billing rules: The separate procedure designation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The parenthetical \u00ab\u00a0(separate procedure)\u00a0\u00bb in the descriptor is one of the most misread designations in surgical coding. Reading it correctly prevents denials and keeps the practice clear of audit trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-what-separate-procedure-means\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What \u00ab\u00a0separate procedure\u00a0\u00bb means<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A separate procedure designation means the code describes a service that is ordinarily one component of a larger procedure. Performed as the sole or primary service for an encounter, it can be billed on its own. Performed alongside a more comprehensive procedure that customarily includes it, it cannot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-when-cpt-21750-can-and-cannot-be-billed\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When CPT 21750 can and cannot be billed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bill it separately:<\/strong> The sternal re-closure is the only or primary surgical service for that session. It addresses a complication such as dehiscence or mediastinitis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do not bill it separately:<\/strong> The re-closure happens inside a comprehensive open thoracic or cardiac procedure. Sternal closure is an expected part of that larger service<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check the documentation first:<\/strong> A re-closure inside the global period of the original cardiac procedure usually needs modifier -78 rather than a standalone claim<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits govern the bundling relationships between CPT 21750 and other thoracic codes. Check the edit tables before you pair it with a cardiac or thoracic procedure code. Practices running <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/hipaa-compliance-for-medical-offices\/\">HIPAA-compliant billing<\/a> workflows still need documentation policies that show the re-closure was a distinct service.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"pro_tip\">\n            <div class=\"img\">\n                <svg width=\"42\" height=\"42\" viewBox=\"0 0 42 42\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M12.6383 19.5238C12.6632 21.2071 12.8734 22.9926 12.0685 24.5523C11.0341 26.8917 8.45076 28.169 7.56292 30.5918C6.63082 33.1061 7.19505 36.185 9.31371 37.9786C10.929 39.5678 13.4183 39.9873 15.6061 39.5463C17.4592 39.073 19.1049 37.8388 19.9706 36.1608C20.781 34.7141 20.7866 32.9904 20.5293 31.3985C20.1006 29.3092 18.3775 27.8705 16.9807 26.362C14.8814 24.1005 14.6684 20.6854 15.595 17.8915C16.4331 15.4768 19.0026 14.2344 20.0425 11.9461C20.7202 10.6769 20.7506 9.20327 20.6068 7.81304C20.1864 5.40098 18.3139 3.23631 15.8716 2.56674C13.9742 2.03969 11.8224 2.30052 10.1739 3.37614C8.70522 4.34688 7.5878 5.86618 7.28356 7.58178C6.76081 9.82981 7.53525 12.2822 9.20307 13.9118C10.7658 15.4741 12.4806 17.2273 12.6383 19.5238Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M22.7048 19.8387C22.6822 22.3279 24.4507 24.6234 26.7493 25.4682C28.0531 25.961 29.4725 25.9183 30.7989 25.5487C32.0575 24.9955 33.301 24.2237 34.0069 23.0092C34.8384 21.5811 35.2982 19.8286 34.7832 18.2094C34.3611 16.2507 32.8739 14.6541 31.0275 13.9426C28.6736 12.9595 25.8073 13.7942 24.1719 15.7001C23.2022 16.8366 22.6143 18.3326 22.7048 19.8387Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"text\">\n                <h3>Pro Tip<\/h3>\n                <p>Check NCCI edits before billing CPT 21750 alongside any cardiac or thoracic procedure code. Where the re-closure qualifies as a separate service, append modifier -59 or the appropriate X-modifier. Include a brief operative note summary with the claim. A clean first submission beats an appeal every time.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-icd-10-cm-diagnosis-codes-that-support-the-claim\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes that support the claim<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every CPT 21750 claim needs a diagnosis code that establishes medical necessity. The crosswalk below lists the codes most often paired with it. An unspecific diagnosis is the leading reason these claims fail medical necessity review. Where the note describes a healed chest wall deformity, <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-m954\/\">M95.4<\/a> fits better than a complication code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">ICD-10-CM code<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Description<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">When to use it<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">T81.320A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Disruption of deep internal surgical wound, initial encounter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">First surgical encounter for sternal wound disruption after cardiac surgery<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">T81.320D<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Disruption of deep internal surgical wound, subsequent encounter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Follow-up repair when the same wound disruption has already been treated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">J98.59<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Other diseases of mediastinum, not elsewhere classified<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Mediastinal involvement that does not meet the full criteria for mediastinitis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">J85.3<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Abscess of mediastinum<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">A mediastinal abscess needs debridement as part of the re-closure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">M96.89<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Other intraoperative and postprocedural complications of the musculoskeletal system<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Post-sternotomy mechanical instability without infection<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">T81.89XA<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Other complications of procedures, not elsewhere classified, initial encounter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">A post-operative sternal complication no more specific code captures<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always code to the highest specificity available. For wound disruptions, the seventh character records an initial (A), subsequent (D), or sequela (S) encounter. That character carries the same weight on neighboring thoracic codes such as <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s21439d\/\">S21.439D<\/a>. Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/icd10cmtool.cdc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CDC ICD-10-CM tool<\/a> to confirm a code is still valid before you submit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-reimbursement-and-fee-schedule\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reimbursement and fee schedule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Medicare payment for CPT 21750 is published each year in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cms.gov\/medicare\/physician-fee-schedule\/search\/overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CMS Physician Fee Schedule<\/a>. It shifts with locality, place of service, and geographic practice cost index adjustments. The table below covers the factors that move the number rather than the number itself, because rates change every January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Payment factor<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Details<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Billing implication<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Place of service: Facility<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Lower physician payment, because the facility carries the overhead<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Use place of service 21 for inpatient or 22 for outpatient hospital. Most sternal re-closures happen in a facility<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Place of service: Non-facility<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Higher physician payment, because the provider carries the overhead<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Rarely applies here, since sternal surgery needs an operating room<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Geographic adjustment<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Varies by Medicare locality, such as San Francisco against the rural Midwest<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">High-cost localities pay more. Use the fee schedule lookup to find your locality&rsquo;s rate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">RVU components<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Work RVU, practice expense RVU, and malpractice RVU<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Pull the current work, practice expense, and malpractice values for CPT 21750 from the CMS files<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Private payer rates<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Negotiated, and typically well above the Medicare allowable<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Check the individual contract, since rates vary by network and geography<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pull updated fee schedule files at the start of each plan year. Third-party databases lag the official figures by weeks, so confirm against the CMS source before you quote a payment amount to a surgeon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-global-period-and-post-operative-billing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Global period and post-operative billing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CPT 21750 carries a 90-day global surgical period. Sternal wound reconstruction often pulls in a plastic surgery team, so practices running a <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/industry\/plastic-surgery-emr\/\">plastic surgery EMR<\/a> work to the same clock. During those 90 days, several services are bundled into the payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-bundled-services-cannot-bill-separately\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bundled services (cannot bill separately)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Routine post-operative office visits related to recovery from the sternal re-closure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wound checks and suture or staple removal tied to the CPT 21750 procedure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Routine post-operative prescriptions written inside the global period<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-separately-billable-during-the-global-period\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Separately billable during the global period<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Treatment of a new or unrelated condition, with modifier -24 appended to the E\/M code<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A second unplanned return to theater for a complication unrelated to the re-closure, with modifier -79<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supplies and services clearly outside the scope of routine post-operative care<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One error shows up again and again. A practice bills routine post-op wound checks as E\/M visits inside the 90 days, with no modifier -24 and no unrelated clinical reason on file. OIG work plans have flagged surgical practices for global period billing before. Track the end date for every CPT 21750 claim you submit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-related-thoracic-surgery-cpt-codes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related thoracic surgery CPT codes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing CPT 21750 over an adjacent code comes down to what each descriptor captures. The table below covers the codes coders meet alongside it or instead of it. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aapc.com\/codes\/cpt-codes-range\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">AAPC CPT lookup<\/a> carries the full descriptor text for each one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">CPT code<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Descriptor<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">How it differs from 21750<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">21600<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Excision of rib, partial<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Rib removal rather than sternal re-approximation, so a different anatomy and indication<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">21627<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Sternal debridement<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Debridement alone, with no re-closure of the separation. Use it when nothing is re-approximated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">21630<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Radical resection of sternum<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Removal of all or most of the sternum, which is far more extensive than a re-closure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">21825<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Open treatment of sternum fracture, with or without skeletal fixation<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Treats a fractured sternum, usually after trauma, rather than a surgical incision that has separated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">97597<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Debridement, open wound, first 20 sq cm<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Wound debridement only. Never bill it alongside CPT 21750 when the debridement is part of the re-closure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The split between 21627 and 21750 causes most of the miscoding in this family. If the operative report documents re-approximation of the sternal halves with wire or plate fixation, CPT 21750 is correct. That holds whether or not debridement was also performed. Sibling codes in the same series, including <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21552\/\">CPT 21552<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21925\/\">CPT 21925<\/a>, turn on the same close reading of the descriptor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-common-coding-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common coding mistakes and how to avoid them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cardiothoracic billing draws above-average OIG scrutiny. These four errors show up most often in audits of CPT 21750 claims. Good <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/practice-management-software\/\">practice management software<\/a> catches them before the claim leaves the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-unbundling-debridement\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unbundling debridement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u00ab\u00a0with or without debridement\u00a0\u00bb language folds debridement into this service. Billing CPT 97597, 97598, 11042, or 11043 for tissue removal in the same session is a classic unbundling violation. Repair codes such as <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-13100\/\">CPT 13100<\/a> describe wound repair of the trunk, not sternal re-approximation, so they do not rescue the claim either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-billing-during-a-comprehensive-thoracic-procedure\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Billing during a comprehensive thoracic procedure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the re-closure happens inside a larger cardiac operation, sternal closure is an expected step of that operation. The separate procedure rule then rules out a second claim. This is the distinction coders most often trip over on complex cardiac cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-incorrect-modifier-for-global-period-services\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Incorrect modifier for global period services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An unplanned return to theater inside the original global period needs modifier -78. A clean claim with no modifier will usually draw an automatic review or a denial from the Medicare Administrative Contractor. The same discipline applies in every surgical specialty, whether the claim comes out of a <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/industry\/dermatology-emr-software\/\">dermatology EMR<\/a> or a cardiothoracic billing system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-documentation-that-causes-medical-necessity-denials\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Documentation that triggers medical necessity denials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The operative report never says the sternum separated, and refers only to a \u00ab\u00a0wound complication\u00a0\u00bb<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The re-approximation technique is missing, so no wires, plates, or fixation type appear in the note<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The diagnosis code is too unspecific, such as a general complication code where a dehiscence code applies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The seventh character is missing, so the encounter type cannot be read from the claim<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n        <div id=\"pro_tip\">\n            <div class=\"img\">\n                <svg width=\"42\" height=\"42\" viewBox=\"0 0 42 42\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M12.6383 19.5238C12.6632 21.2071 12.8734 22.9926 12.0685 24.5523C11.0341 26.8917 8.45076 28.169 7.56292 30.5918C6.63082 33.1061 7.19505 36.185 9.31371 37.9786C10.929 39.5678 13.4183 39.9873 15.6061 39.5463C17.4592 39.073 19.1049 37.8388 19.9706 36.1608C20.781 34.7141 20.7866 32.9904 20.5293 31.3985C20.1006 29.3092 18.3775 27.8705 16.9807 26.362C14.8814 24.1005 14.6684 20.6854 15.595 17.8915C16.4331 15.4768 19.0026 14.2344 20.0425 11.9461C20.7202 10.6769 20.7506 9.20327 20.6068 7.81304C20.1864 5.40098 18.3139 3.23631 15.8716 2.56674C13.9742 2.03969 11.8224 2.30052 10.1739 3.37614C8.70522 4.34688 7.5878 5.86618 7.28356 7.58178C6.76081 9.82981 7.53525 12.2822 9.20307 13.9118C10.7658 15.4741 12.4806 17.2273 12.6383 19.5238Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M22.7048 19.8387C22.6822 22.3279 24.4507 24.6234 26.7493 25.4682C28.0531 25.961 29.4725 25.9183 30.7989 25.5487C32.0575 24.9955 33.301 24.2237 34.0069 23.0092C34.8384 21.5811 35.2982 19.8286 34.7832 18.2094C34.3611 16.2507 32.8739 14.6541 31.0275 13.9426C28.6736 12.9595 25.8073 13.7942 24.1719 15.7001C23.2022 16.8366 22.6143 18.3326 22.7048 19.8387Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"text\">\n                <h3>Pro Tip<\/h3>\n                <p>Audit CPT 21750 claims monthly. Pull every claim from the past 90 days and read each one against its operative report. Confirm four things. Sternal separation is documented, the re-approximation technique is recorded, and no debridement code was billed alongside. Then check that the global period modifier is applied where it belongs. Half an hour of checking prevents a repayment demand later.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-claims-management-software-keeps-cpt-21750-claims-clean\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How claims management software keeps CPT 21750 claims clean<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most cardiothoracic billing teams track this code in a spreadsheet. Someone records the surgery date, works out when the 90 days end, and hopes the next claim carries the right modifier. The operative note that justifies the whole claim sits in another system entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practice management software like Pabau keeps that tracking in the record itself. Pabau&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/features\/claims-management-software\/\">claims management software<\/a> holds the global period date, the diagnosis code, and the supporting note against the same patient. Your coder checks all three in one place before the claim goes out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The result is fewer denials to appeal. Claims leave with the modifier and the documentation that supports them. Your team spends its time on the next case instead of reworking the last one.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"book_a_demo\">\n            <div class=\"left-side\">\n                <div class=\"logo\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\"\n                        src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Logo.svg\"\n                        alt=\"Logo\"\n                        loading=\"lazy\"\n                    \/>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <h3 class=\"heading\">\n                    Reduce claim denials on complex surgical codes                <\/h3>\n\n                <p class=\"description\">\n                    Pabau&rsquo;s claims management tools track modifier requirements and global period dates for cardiothoracic billing teams. Every claim goes out with the diagnosis code and the documentation that supports it.                <\/p>\n\n                <div class=\"button-group\">\n                    <a href=\"\/book-demo\/\" class=\"btn btn-scale-effect btn-cta-color btn-md\">\n                        <span class=\"btn-text\">Book a demo<\/span>\n                        <div class=\"btn-icon btn-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                            <svg\n                                width=\"14\"\n                                height=\"12\"\n                                viewBox=\"0 0 14 12\"\n                                fill=\"none\"\n                                xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\n                            >\n                                <path\n                                    d=\"M0.75 4.77295C0.335786 4.77295 0 5.10874 0 5.52295C0 5.93716 0.335786 6.27295 0.75 6.27295V5.52295V4.77295ZM13.2803 6.05328C13.5732 5.76039 13.5732 5.28551 13.2803 4.99262L8.50736 0.219648C8.21447 -0.073245 7.73959 -0.073245 7.4467 0.219648C7.15381 0.512542 7.15381 0.987415 7.4467 1.28031L11.6893 5.52295L7.4467 9.76559C7.15381 10.0585 7.15381 10.5334 7.4467 10.8263C7.73959 11.1191 8.21447 11.1191 8.50736 10.8263L13.2803 6.05328ZM0.75 5.52295V6.27295L12.75 6.27295V5.52295V4.77295L0.75 4.77295V5.52295Z\"\n                                    fill=\"currentColor\"\n                                ><\/path>\n                            <\/svg>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"right-side\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\"\n                    src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Home-Page-Concept-4.webp\"\n                    alt=\"Pabau claims management dashboard for surgical billing workflows\"\n                    loading=\"lazy\"\n                \/>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CPT 21750 rarely goes wrong at the code selection stage. It goes wrong in the paperwork around it. The modifier, the seventh character, and the global period date are what decide whether the claim gets paid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So build the check into the submission process rather than the appeal process. A coder who confirms sternal separation and fixation in the operative note before the claim leaves removes most of the denial risk in one step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/book-demo\/\">Book a demo<\/a> to see how Pabau tracks modifiers, documentation, and global period dates for surgical billing teams.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"expert_picks\">\n            <div class=\"header\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Expert-Picks.svg\" alt=\"Continue your research\" height=\"42\" width=\"42\">\n                                <h3>Continue your research<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"content\">\n                                                            <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Working through the neighboring 21000-series codes?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21720\/\">CPT code 21720<\/a> covers division of the sternocleidomastoid and the documentation payers expect.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Billing fixation hardware in another body area?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21497\/\">CPT code 21497<\/a> walks through interdental wiring, its modifiers, and how payers reimburse it.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Coding a reconstruction rather than a re-closure?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21182\/\">CPT code 21182<\/a> explains cranial bone tumor reconstruction and the billing rules that follow it.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Handling surgical billing data securely?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/hipaa-compliance-software\/\">HIPAA compliance software<\/a> compares the tools that keep protected health information locked down.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Billing surgery outside Medicare?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/bupa-ccsd-codes\/\">Bupa CCSD codes<\/a> shows how private insurer procedure codes and fee schedules are structured.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786522309741\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is CPT code 21750 used for?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">CPT code 21750 reports surgical closure of median sternotomy separation, with or without debridement, as a separate procedure. It applies when a sternum opened for cardiac or thoracic surgery separates afterward. The surgeon re-closes it with wires, plates, or other fixation hardware. Common indications are sternal dehiscence, post-sternotomy mediastinitis, and mechanical instability.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786522309742\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is CPT 21750 a separate procedure code, and what does that mean for billing?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, CPT 21750 carries a separate procedure designation in its AMA descriptor. You can bill it on its own when the sternal re-closure is the primary or sole surgical service for that encounter. You cannot bill it separately when it forms part of a more comprehensive thoracic or cardiac procedure in the same session.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786522309743\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can debridement be billed alongside CPT 21750?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No. The phrase \u201cwith or without debridement\u201d already folds it into the CPT 21750 descriptor. Billing a separate debridement code for the same session is unbundling. That covers 97597, 97598, 11042, and 11043. It exposes the practice to an OIG audit and a repayment demand.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786522309744\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the global period for CPT code 21750?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">CPT 21750 has a 90-day global surgical period. Routine post-operative visits, wound checks, and suture removal related to the re-closure are bundled into that payment. Services for an unrelated condition can still be billed inside the 90 days with modifier -24 on the E\/M code, supported by documentation.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786522309745\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Which modifier applies on an unplanned return to the operating room?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Use modifier -78 when CPT 21750 is performed as an unplanned return to theater inside the global period of the original cardiac or thoracic procedure. Submitting the code without it usually ends in a denial from the Medicare Administrative Contractor. Where the re-closure is unrelated to the original surgery, modifier -79 applies instead.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786522309746\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Which ICD-10 code covers sternal dehiscence with CPT 21750?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">T81.320A, disruption of deep internal surgical wound, initial encounter, is the code most often paired with CPT 21750 for sternal dehiscence. Use T81.320D for a subsequent encounter treating the same disruption. Where a mediastinal abscess is documented, J85.3 may fit better. The older T81.32XA and T81.32XD codes were deleted in October 2024.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>CPT code 21750 covers closure of median sternotomy separation, with or without debridement. The American Medical Association designates it a separate procedure, and that single word decides when you can bill it on its own. The code applies when a sternum opened for cardiac surgery separates afterward and needs surgical re-closure. Sternal dehiscence, mediastinitis, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":176235,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":"83","_yoast_wpseo_content_score":"30","_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"[\"\",\"\",\"\",\"\"]","_yoast_wpseo_focuskw_text_input":"","_seo_original_html":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1433,1546],"tags":[1602,1163],"class_list":["post-176236","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-billing-codes","category-cpt-codes","tag-cpt-modifiers","tag-medical-billing"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.2 (Yoast SEO v28.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>CPT code 21750: Sternotomy closure billing and modifiers<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"CPT 21750 covers median sternotomy re-closure. Debridement is bundled, the global period runs 90 days, and dehiscence codes to T81.320A.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_FR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"CPT code 21750: Sternotomy closure billing and modifiers\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"CPT 21750 covers median sternotomy re-closure. Debridement is bundled, the global period runs 90 days, and dehiscence codes to T81.320A.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Pabau\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Pabau\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-08-12T11:47:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-12T12:13:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/cpt-code-21750.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Maja Popovska\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@pabaucrm\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@pabaucrm\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"\u00c9crit par\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Maja Popovska\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Dur\u00e9e de lecture estim\u00e9e\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"13 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Maja Popovska\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b00aec1dd379f0ddcf6137d78e2a21db\"},\"headline\":\"CPT code 21750: Closure of median sternotomy separation\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-12T11:47:54+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-12T12:13:53+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2458,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/cpt-code-21750.webp\",\"keywords\":[\"Cpt Modifiers\",\"Medical Billing\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Billing Codes\",\"CPT Codes\"],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/\",\"name\":\"CPT code 21750: Sternotomy closure billing and modifiers\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/cpt-code-21750.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-12T11:47:54+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-12T12:13:53+00:00\",\"description\":\"CPT 21750 covers median sternotomy re-closure. Debridement is bundled, the global period runs 90 days, and dehiscence codes to T81.320A.\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#faq-question-1786522309741\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#faq-question-1786522309742\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#faq-question-1786522309743\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#faq-question-1786522309744\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#faq-question-1786522309745\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#faq-question-1786522309746\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/cpt-code-21750.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/cpt-code-21750.webp\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":630},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/\",\"name\":\"Pabau\",\"description\":\"Clinic Software for your Business | Go Paperless Today\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Pabau\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/05\\\/Logo-4-e1654525062364.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/05\\\/Logo-4-e1654525062364.png\",\"width\":736,\"height\":195,\"caption\":\"Pabau\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/Pabau\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/pabaucrm\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/pabau-ltd\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/pabausoftware\\\/\"],\"description\":\"Pabau is an all-in-one healthcare practice management software platform designed for clinics, medspas, therapists, and medical professionals. It combines scheduling, electronic health records, clinical forms, payments, marketing automation, reporting, and patient engagement tools into one secure cloud system to help practices streamline operations and grow their business.\",\"foundingDate\":\"2011-10-20\",\"numberOfEmployees\":{\"@type\":\"QuantitativeValue\",\"minValue\":\"201\",\"maxValue\":\"500\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b00aec1dd379f0ddcf6137d78e2a21db\",\"name\":\"Maja Popovska\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/cropped-Maja-Popovska_WP-1-96x96.jpeg\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/cropped-Maja-Popovska_WP-1-96x96.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/cropped-Maja-Popovska_WP-1-96x96.jpeg\",\"caption\":\"Maja Popovska\"},\"description\":\"Maja is a Senior Content Writer at Pabau, where she covers everything from practice management and compliance to medical aesthetics and patient experience. Off the clock: binging true crime docuseries, baking and dreaming about travel.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/maja-popovska\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#faq-question-1786522309741\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#faq-question-1786522309741\",\"name\":\"What is CPT code 21750 used for?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"CPT code 21750 reports surgical closure of median sternotomy separation, with or without debridement, as a separate procedure. It applies when a sternum opened for cardiac or thoracic surgery separates afterward. The surgeon re-closes it with wires, plates, or other fixation hardware. Common indications are sternal dehiscence, post-sternotomy mediastinitis, and mechanical instability.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#faq-question-1786522309742\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#faq-question-1786522309742\",\"name\":\"Is CPT 21750 a separate procedure code, and what does that mean for billing?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, CPT 21750 carries a separate procedure designation in its AMA descriptor. You can bill it on its own when the sternal re-closure is the primary or sole surgical service for that encounter. You cannot bill it separately when it forms part of a more comprehensive thoracic or cardiac procedure in the same session.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#faq-question-1786522309743\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#faq-question-1786522309743\",\"name\":\"Can debridement be billed alongside CPT 21750?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. The phrase \u201cwith or without debridement\u201d already folds it into the CPT 21750 descriptor. Billing a separate debridement code for the same session is unbundling. That covers 97597, 97598, 11042, and 11043. It exposes the practice to an OIG audit and a repayment demand.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#faq-question-1786522309744\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#faq-question-1786522309744\",\"name\":\"What is the global period for CPT code 21750?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"CPT 21750 has a 90-day global surgical period. Routine post-operative visits, wound checks, and suture removal related to the re-closure are bundled into that payment. Services for an unrelated condition can still be billed inside the 90 days with modifier -24 on the E\\\/M code, supported by documentation.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#faq-question-1786522309745\",\"position\":5,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#faq-question-1786522309745\",\"name\":\"Which modifier applies on an unplanned return to the operating room?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Use modifier -78 when CPT 21750 is performed as an unplanned return to theater inside the global period of the original cardiac or thoracic procedure. Submitting the code without it usually ends in a denial from the Medicare Administrative Contractor. Where the re-closure is unrelated to the original surgery, modifier -79 applies instead.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#faq-question-1786522309746\",\"position\":6,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-21750\\\/#faq-question-1786522309746\",\"name\":\"Which ICD-10 code covers sternal dehiscence with CPT 21750?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"T81.320A, disruption of deep internal surgical wound, initial encounter, is the code most often paired with CPT 21750 for sternal dehiscence. Use T81.320D for a subsequent encounter treating the same disruption. Where a mediastinal abscess is documented, J85.3 may fit better. The older T81.32XA and T81.32XD codes were deleted in October 2024.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"CPT code 21750: Sternotomy closure billing and modifiers","description":"CPT 21750 covers median sternotomy re-closure. Debridement is bundled, the global period runs 90 days, and dehiscence codes to T81.320A.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/","og_locale":"fr_FR","og_type":"article","og_title":"CPT code 21750: Sternotomy closure billing and modifiers","og_description":"CPT 21750 covers median sternotomy re-closure. Debridement is bundled, the global period runs 90 days, and dehiscence codes to T81.320A.","og_url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/","og_site_name":"Pabau","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Pabau\/","article_published_time":"2026-08-12T11:47:54+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-08-12T12:13:53+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":630,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/cpt-code-21750.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"Maja Popovska","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@pabaucrm","twitter_site":"@pabaucrm","twitter_misc":{"\u00c9crit par":"Maja Popovska","Dur\u00e9e de lecture estim\u00e9e":"13 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/"},"author":{"name":"Maja Popovska","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#\/schema\/person\/b00aec1dd379f0ddcf6137d78e2a21db"},"headline":"CPT code 21750: Closure of median sternotomy separation","datePublished":"2026-08-12T11:47:54+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-12T12:13:53+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/"},"wordCount":2458,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/cpt-code-21750.webp","keywords":["Cpt Modifiers","Medical Billing"],"articleSection":["Billing Codes","CPT Codes"],"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/","name":"CPT code 21750: Sternotomy closure billing and modifiers","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/cpt-code-21750.webp","datePublished":"2026-08-12T11:47:54+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-12T12:13:53+00:00","description":"CPT 21750 covers median sternotomy re-closure. Debridement is bundled, the global period runs 90 days, and dehiscence codes to T81.320A.","mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#faq-question-1786522309741"},{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#faq-question-1786522309742"},{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#faq-question-1786522309743"},{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#faq-question-1786522309744"},{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#faq-question-1786522309745"},{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#faq-question-1786522309746"}],"inLanguage":"fr-FR","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-FR","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/cpt-code-21750.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/cpt-code-21750.webp","width":1200,"height":630},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#website","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/","name":"Pabau","description":"Clinic Software for your Business | Go Paperless Today","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#organization","name":"Pabau","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-FR","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Logo-4-e1654525062364.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Logo-4-e1654525062364.png","width":736,"height":195,"caption":"Pabau"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Pabau\/","https:\/\/x.com\/pabaucrm","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/pabau-ltd\/","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/pabausoftware\/"],"description":"Pabau is an all-in-one healthcare practice management software platform designed for clinics, medspas, therapists, and medical professionals. It combines scheduling, electronic health records, clinical forms, payments, marketing automation, reporting, and patient engagement tools into one secure cloud system to help practices streamline operations and grow their business.","foundingDate":"2011-10-20","numberOfEmployees":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","minValue":"201","maxValue":"500"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#\/schema\/person\/b00aec1dd379f0ddcf6137d78e2a21db","name":"Maja Popovska","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-FR","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cropped-Maja-Popovska_WP-1-96x96.jpeg","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cropped-Maja-Popovska_WP-1-96x96.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cropped-Maja-Popovska_WP-1-96x96.jpeg","caption":"Maja Popovska"},"description":"Maja is a Senior Content Writer at Pabau, where she covers everything from practice management and compliance to medical aesthetics and patient experience. Off the clock: binging true crime docuseries, baking and dreaming about travel.","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/blog\/author\/maja-popovska\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#faq-question-1786522309741","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#faq-question-1786522309741","name":"What is CPT code 21750 used for?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"CPT code 21750 reports surgical closure of median sternotomy separation, with or without debridement, as a separate procedure. It applies when a sternum opened for cardiac or thoracic surgery separates afterward. The surgeon re-closes it with wires, plates, or other fixation hardware. Common indications are sternal dehiscence, post-sternotomy mediastinitis, and mechanical instability.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#faq-question-1786522309742","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#faq-question-1786522309742","name":"Is CPT 21750 a separate procedure code, and what does that mean for billing?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, CPT 21750 carries a separate procedure designation in its AMA descriptor. You can bill it on its own when the sternal re-closure is the primary or sole surgical service for that encounter. You cannot bill it separately when it forms part of a more comprehensive thoracic or cardiac procedure in the same session.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#faq-question-1786522309743","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#faq-question-1786522309743","name":"Can debridement be billed alongside CPT 21750?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No. The phrase \u201cwith or without debridement\u201d already folds it into the CPT 21750 descriptor. Billing a separate debridement code for the same session is unbundling. That covers 97597, 97598, 11042, and 11043. It exposes the practice to an OIG audit and a repayment demand.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#faq-question-1786522309744","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#faq-question-1786522309744","name":"What is the global period for CPT code 21750?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"CPT 21750 has a 90-day global surgical period. Routine post-operative visits, wound checks, and suture removal related to the re-closure are bundled into that payment. Services for an unrelated condition can still be billed inside the 90 days with modifier -24 on the E\/M code, supported by documentation.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#faq-question-1786522309745","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#faq-question-1786522309745","name":"Which modifier applies on an unplanned return to the operating room?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Use modifier -78 when CPT 21750 is performed as an unplanned return to theater inside the global period of the original cardiac or thoracic procedure. Submitting the code without it usually ends in a denial from the Medicare Administrative Contractor. Where the re-closure is unrelated to the original surgery, modifier -79 applies instead.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#faq-question-1786522309746","position":6,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-21750\/#faq-question-1786522309746","name":"Which ICD-10 code covers sternal dehiscence with CPT 21750?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"T81.320A, disruption of deep internal surgical wound, initial encounter, is the code most often paired with CPT 21750 for sternal dehiscence. Use T81.320D for a subsequent encounter treating the same disruption. Where a mediastinal abscess is documented, J85.3 may fit better. The older T81.32XA and T81.32XD codes were deleted in October 2024.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"}]}},"yoast":{"focus_keyword":"CPT code 21750","seo_title":"CPT code 21750: Sternotomy closure billing and modifiers","meta_description":"CPT 21750 covers median sternotomy re-closure. Debridement is bundled, the global period runs 90 days, and dehiscence codes to T81.320A.","content_score":"30","is_cornerstone":"","related_keyphrases":[{"keyword":"median sternotomy closure CPT","score":72},{"keyword":"sternal dehiscence CPT code","score":67},{"keyword":"separate procedure billing rules","score":50}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/176236","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/82"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=176236"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/176236\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":176721,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/176236\/revisions\/176721"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/176235"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=176236"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=176236"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=176236"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}