44015 Insert needle catheter bowel
Also known as: needle catheter enterostomy, catheter placement in bowel, tube enterostomy
Insertion of needle catheter or tube into small bowel via enterotomy for decompression, feeding, or therapeutic access.
In Plain Language
small tube placement in intestine; bowel access via catheter
Clinical Context
Placement of needle catheter or feeding tube into small bowel via surgical incision. Provides access for feeding or decompression in patients unable to tolerate standard feeding.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.55 |
| Total RVU | 2.55 |
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. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 2.55, this code ranks in the 18th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 44015?
CPT 44015 (Insert needle catheter bowel) is a Surgery code. Insertion of needle catheter or tube into small bowel via enterotomy for decompression, feeding, or therapeutic access.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 44015?
The work RVU for CPT 44015 is 2.55. This code is primarily used by General Surgery.
When is CPT 44015 used?
Placement of needle catheter or feeding tube into small bowel via surgical incision. Provides access for feeding or decompression in patients unable to tolerate standard feeding.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
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.