49322 Laparoscopy aspiration
Also known as: laparoscopic aspiration, lap aspiration, percutaneous aspiration
Laparoscopic aspiration of intra-abdominal or pelvic fluid for diagnostic purposes or therapeutic drainage.
In Plain Language
fluid removal via camera-guided needle; drainage of abdominal pocket
Clinical Context
Laparoscopic aspiration of intra-abdominal fluid collections for diagnosis or therapeutic drainage. Used to evaluate ascites, culture infected fluid, or decompress pathological collections.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.86 |
| Total RVU | 5.86 |
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 10-day global period — follow-up visits within 10 days of the procedure are included in the reimbursement. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 5.86, this code ranks in the 39th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 49322?
CPT 49322 (Laparoscopy aspiration) is a Surgery code. Laparoscopic aspiration of intra-abdominal or pelvic fluid for diagnostic purposes or therapeutic drainage.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 49322?
The work RVU for CPT 49322 is 5.86. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Critical Care. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 49322 used?
Laparoscopic aspiration of intra-abdominal fluid collections for diagnosis or therapeutic drainage. Used to evaluate ascites, culture infected fluid, or decompress pathological 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.