96523 Irrig drug delivery device
Also known as: Device irrigation, Catheter flushing, Port irrigation
Irrigation of an implanted drug delivery device or catheter to maintain patency and prevent complications. Includes flushing and cleansing procedures.
In Plain Language
Cleaning a medicine tube to keep it working; Flushing a drug delivery device
Clinical Context
Maintenance procedure for implanted ports, catheters, or pumps to ensure continued functionality. Prevents thrombosis, infection, and medication occlusion.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.04 |
| Total RVU | 0.04 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
Medicine section codes cover a wide range of non-surgical services. Documentation should include the clinical indication, procedure details, interpretation (if applicable), and any patient-specific findings.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 0.04, this code ranks in the 1st percentile among Medicine codes — 19.5x below the median (0.78). The highest wRVU in this category is 23.92.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 96523?
CPT 96523 (Irrig drug delivery device) is a Medicine code. Irrigation of an implanted drug delivery device or catheter to maintain patency and prevent complications. Includes flushing and cleansing procedures.
Who uses CPT code 96523?
CPT 96523 is used by Oncology, Infusion Therapy, General Surgery. Maintenance procedure for implanted ports, catheters, or pumps to ensure continued functionality. Prevents thrombosis, infection, and medication occlusion.
When is CPT 96523 used?
Maintenance procedure for implanted ports, catheters, or pumps to ensure continued functionality. Prevents thrombosis, infection, and medication occlusion.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.