48520 Fuse pancreas cyst and bowel
Also known as: Cystogastrostomy, gastric cyst drainage
Surgical creation of an internal anastomosis between a pancreatic cyst and the stomach (cystogastrostomy) to drain cyst contents and relieve symptoms.
In Plain Language
Connecting pancreatic cyst to stomach
Clinical Context
Performed for pancreatic pseudocyst with cyst fluid causing obstruction. Allows gravity drainage into stomach.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 17.70 |
| Total RVU | 17.70 |
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 17.70, this code ranks in the 79th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.2x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 48520?
CPT 48520 (Fuse pancreas cyst and bowel) is a Surgery code. Surgical creation of an internal anastomosis between a pancreatic cyst and the stomach (cystogastrostomy) to drain cyst contents and relieve symptoms.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 48520?
The work RVU for CPT 48520 is 17.70. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 48520 used?
Performed for pancreatic pseudocyst with cyst fluid causing obstruction. Allows gravity drainage into stomach.
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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.