49324 Laparoscopic insert tunnel inpatient catheter
Also known as: laparoscopic IP catheter, lap IP cath insertion, peritoneal dialysis catheter
Laparoscopic insertion of tunneled intraperitoneal catheter (peritoneal dialysis catheter) without subcutaneous port.
In Plain Language
placement of dialysis tube via camera; insertion of peritoneal catheter
Clinical Context
Laparoscopic placement of tunneled intraperitoneal catheter for peritoneal dialysis. Used in chronic kidney disease patients requiring dialysis therapy.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.16 |
| Total RVU | 6.16 |
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 6.16, this code ranks in the 41st percentile among Surgery codes — 1.3x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 49324?
CPT 49324 (Laparoscopic insert tunnel inpatient catheter) is a Surgery code. Laparoscopic insertion of tunneled intraperitoneal catheter (peritoneal dialysis catheter) without subcutaneous port.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 49324?
The work RVU for CPT 49324 is 6.16. This code is primarily used by Nephrology, General Surgery, Urology. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 49324 used?
Laparoscopic placement of tunneled intraperitoneal catheter for peritoneal dialysis. Used in chronic kidney disease patients requiring dialysis therapy.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
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.