48150 Partial removal of pancreas
Also known as: Whipple procedure, pancreaticoduodenectomy, PD
Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) involving en bloc removal of the pancreatic head, duodenum, and common bile duct with reconstruction of biliary and gastric continuity.
In Plain Language
Removing pancreas head, duodenum, and bile duct with reconstruction
Clinical Context
Standard resection for pancreatic head cancer, ampullary cancer, bile duct cancer. Complex procedure with significant morbidity.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 51.52 |
| Total RVU | 51.52 |
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 51.52, this code ranks in the 99th percentile among Surgery codes — 6.4x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 48150?
CPT 48150 (Partial removal of pancreas) is a Surgery code. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) involving en bloc removal of the pancreatic head, duodenum, and common bile duct with reconstruction of biliary and gastric continuity.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 48150?
The work RVU for CPT 48150 is 51.52. This code is primarily used by Hepatobiliary Surgery, Surgical Oncology, General Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 48150 used?
Standard resection for pancreatic head cancer, ampullary cancer, bile duct cancer. Complex procedure with significant morbidity.
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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.