CPT code 42426 represents a combined major head and neck oncology operation: total parotidectomy for a tumor with an ipsilateral radical neck dissection. This code captures extensive ablative surgery used to manage malignant or locally advanced parotid tumors with regional lymphatic involvement. Nationally, the code matters because it denotes high-complexity care with implications for surgical resource use, perioperative risk, and postoperative follow-up.

Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise clinical description, typical sites of service, and the payer set applied. The publication provides benchmarks and payment context where available, notes common billing modifiers provided in the input, and summarizes clinical circumstances that generally justify use of the code. It also highlights areas where input data were not provided and lists related administrative details for billing teams.

This summary is intended for a national audience of coding professionals, surgical teams, and health policy analysts seeking a clear reference on the clinical scope and administrative framing of CPT code 42426.