49060 Drainage open retroperi abscess
Also known as: Retroperitoneal abscess drainage, retro drainage
Surgical drainage of a retroperitoneal abscess through an open incision to provide external drainage of infection in the retroperitoneal space.
In Plain Language
Draining infection from behind abdominal area
Clinical Context
Performed for retroperitoneal abscess from pancreatitis, urosepsis, or other source. Open approach for extensive or complex collections.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 18.07 |
| Total RVU | 18.07 |
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 18.07, this code ranks in the 79th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.3x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 49060?
CPT 49060 (Drainage open retroperi abscess) is a Surgery code. Surgical drainage of a retroperitoneal abscess through an open incision to provide external drainage of infection in the retroperitoneal space.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 49060?
The work RVU for CPT 49060 is 18.07. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Critical Care Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 49060 used?
Performed for retroperitoneal abscess from pancreatitis, urosepsis, or other source. Open approach for extensive or complex collections.
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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.