48152 Pancreatectomy
Also known as: Total pancreaticoduodenectomy, extended whipple
Total pancreaticoduodenectomy with en bloc resection of pancreatic head, entire pancreas, duodenum, common bile duct, and regional lymph nodes.
In Plain Language
Removing entire pancreas, duodenum, and bile duct
Clinical Context
Performed for extensive pancreatic cancer or when body/tail involvement requires total pancreatic resection.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 47.43 |
| Total RVU | 47.43 |
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 47.43, this code ranks in the 98th percentile among Surgery codes — 5.9x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 48152?
CPT 48152 (Pancreatectomy) is a Surgery code. Total pancreaticoduodenectomy with en bloc resection of pancreatic head, entire pancreas, duodenum, common bile duct, and regional lymph nodes.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 48152?
The work RVU for CPT 48152 is 47.43. This code is primarily used by Hepatobiliary Surgery, Surgical Oncology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 48152 used?
Performed for extensive pancreatic cancer or when body/tail involvement requires total pancreatic resection.
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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.