49084 Peritoneal lavage
Also known as: Peritoneal lavage, abdominal lavage, diagnostic lavage
Peritoneal lavage (washing) of the abdominal cavity with instillation of fluid to evaluate for peritonitis, perform diagnostic fluid analysis, or remove debris.
In Plain Language
Washing out the abdominal cavity
Clinical Context
Used in trauma to detect intra-abdominal hemorrhage or in peritonitis to irrigate and remove infected fluid.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.95 |
| Total RVU | 1.95 |
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 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.95, this code ranks in the 13th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 49084?
CPT 49084 (Peritoneal lavage) is a Surgery code. Peritoneal lavage (washing) of the abdominal cavity with instillation of fluid to evaluate for peritonitis, perform diagnostic fluid analysis, or remove debris.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 49084?
The work RVU for CPT 49084 is 1.95. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Trauma Surgery.
When is CPT 49084 used?
Used in trauma to detect intra-abdominal hemorrhage or in peritonitis to irrigate and remove infected fluid.
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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.