49422 Remove tunneled inpatient catheter
Also known as: IP catheter removal, peritoneal catheter removal, tunneled cath removal
Removal of tunneled intraperitoneal catheter via open approach with tract obliteration.
In Plain Language
surgical removal of dialysis tube; extraction of peritoneal catheter
Clinical Context
Open surgical removal of tunneled intraperitoneal catheter. Indications include infection, malfunction, patient transition off dialysis, or catheter failure.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 3.90 |
| Total RVU | 3.90 |
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 3.90, this code ranks in the 27th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 49422?
CPT 49422 (Remove tunneled inpatient catheter) is a Surgery code. Removal of tunneled intraperitoneal catheter via open approach with tract obliteration.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 49422?
The work RVU for CPT 49422 is 3.90. This code is primarily used by Nephrology, General Surgery, Urology.
When is CPT 49422 used?
Open surgical removal of tunneled intraperitoneal catheter. Indications include infection, malfunction, patient transition off dialysis, or catheter failure.
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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.