44500 Intro gastrointestinal tube
Also known as: feeding tube placement, nasogastric tube, percutaneous tube placement
Percutaneous or transnasal introduction of gastrointestinal tube for feeding, drainage, or decompression, performed via needle puncture or endoscopic placement.
In Plain Language
placement of feeding or drainage tube into stomach; tube insertion for nutrition or drainage
Clinical Context
Used for nutritional support, decompression, or drainage in patients unable to maintain oral intake due to dysphagia, obstruction, or altered mental status.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.38 |
| Total RVU | 0.38 |
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 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 0.38, this code ranks in the 1st percentile among Surgery codes — 21.0x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 44500?
CPT 44500 (Intro gastrointestinal tube) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous or transnasal introduction of gastrointestinal tube for feeding, drainage, or decompression, performed via needle puncture or endoscopic placement.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 44500?
The work RVU for CPT 44500 is 0.38. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Gastroenterology.
When is CPT 44500 used?
Used for nutritional support, decompression, or drainage in patients unable to maintain oral intake due to dysphagia, obstruction, or altered mental status.
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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.