49428 Ligation of shunt
Also known as: shunt ligation, shunt occlusion, catheter ligation
Ligation of peritoneovenous shunt or abdominal-to-systemic venous catheter.
In Plain Language
tying off of drainage shunt; closure of abdominal shunt
Clinical Context
Surgical ligation or occlusion of peritoneovenous shunt. Indications include shunt infection, malignancy seeding through shunt, or when shunt is no longer needed.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.70 |
| Total RVU | 6.70 |
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 6.70, this code ranks in the 44th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 49428?
CPT 49428 (Ligation of shunt) is a Surgery code. Ligation of peritoneovenous shunt or abdominal-to-systemic venous catheter.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 49428?
The work RVU for CPT 49428 is 6.70. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Vascular Surgery. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 49428 used?
Surgical ligation or occlusion of peritoneovenous shunt. Indications include shunt infection, malignancy seeding through shunt, or when shunt is no longer needed.
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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.