47490 Incision of gallbladder
Also known as: Percutaneous cholecystostomy, gallbladder puncture
Surgical incision of the gallbladder for exploration or drainage, typically as a percutaneous procedure or open approach to address acute pathology.
In Plain Language
Needle drainage of the gallbladder
Clinical Context
Used for acute cholecystitis in high-risk patients, sepsis, or when urgent decompression is needed prior to definitive cholecystectomy.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 4.64 |
| Total RVU | 4.64 |
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 10-day global period — follow-up visits within 10 days of the procedure are included in the reimbursement. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 4.64, this code ranks in the 32nd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.7x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 47490?
CPT 47490 (Incision of gallbladder) is a Surgery code. Surgical incision of the gallbladder for exploration or drainage, typically as a percutaneous procedure or open approach to address acute pathology.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 47490?
The work RVU for CPT 47490 is 4.64. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Interventional Radiology. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 47490 used?
Used for acute cholecystitis in high-risk patients, sepsis, or when urgent decompression is needed prior to definitive cholecystectomy.
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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.