44050 Reduce bowel obstruction
Also known as: obstruction reduction, volvulus reduction, intussusception reduction
Reduction of bowel obstruction caused by volvulus, intussusception, or adhesions via open approach without resection.
In Plain Language
bowel twist correction; intestine blockage relief
Clinical Context
Operative management of closed-loop obstruction from volvulus or intussusception via manual reduction and/or adhesiolysis. No bowel resection required.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 15.13 |
| Total RVU | 15.13 |
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 15.13, this code ranks in the 73rd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.9x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 44050?
CPT 44050 (Reduce bowel obstruction) is a Surgery code. Reduction of bowel obstruction caused by volvulus, intussusception, or adhesions via open approach without resection.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 44050?
The work RVU for CPT 44050 is 15.13. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Acute Care Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 44050 used?
Operative management of closed-loop obstruction from volvulus or intussusception via manual reduction and/or adhesiolysis. No bowel resection required.
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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.