49400 Air injection into abdomen
Also known as: air insufflation, pneumoperitoneum, abdominal air injection
Pneumoperitoneum with injection of air into abdominal cavity for diagnostic imaging or therapeutic purposes.
In Plain Language
injection of air into abdomen; air filling of abdominal space
Clinical Context
Intentional air injection into peritoneal cavity historically used for diagnostic imaging (pneumoperitoneum) or therapeutic indications. Rarely performed in modern practice.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.83 |
| Total RVU | 1.83 |
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 1.83, this code ranks in the 12th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 49400?
CPT 49400 (Air injection into abdomen) is a Surgery code. Pneumoperitoneum with injection of air into abdominal cavity for diagnostic imaging or therapeutic purposes.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 49400?
The work RVU for CPT 49400 is 1.83. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Radiology.
When is CPT 49400 used?
Intentional air injection into peritoneal cavity historically used for diagnostic imaging (pneumoperitoneum) or therapeutic indications. Rarely performed in modern practice.
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.