44010 Incision of small bowel
Also known as: small bowel incision, enterotomy, bowel exploration
Incision of small intestine for exploration, decompression, or other diagnostic or therapeutic intervention.
In Plain Language
opening of small intestine; bowel surgery access
Clinical Context
Surgical opening of small bowel for exploration of obstruction, removal of foreign body, decompression, or biopsy. May be primary procedure or part of larger operation.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 13.90 |
| Total RVU | 13.90 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 13.90, this code ranks in the 70th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.7x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 44010?
CPT 44010 (Incision of small bowel) is a Surgery code. Incision of small intestine for exploration, decompression, or other diagnostic or therapeutic intervention.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 44010?
The work RVU for CPT 44010 is 13.90. This code is primarily used by General Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 44010 used?
Surgical opening of small bowel for exploration of obstruction, removal of foreign body, decompression, or biopsy. May be primary procedure or part of larger operation.
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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.