49442 Place cecostomy tube percutaneous
Also known as: percutaneous cecostomy, PEC tube, cecostomy tube placement
Placement of cecostomy tube via percutaneous approach under imaging guidance for colonic drainage or venting.
In Plain Language
placement of drainage tube in large intestine; colon venting or irrigation tube
Clinical Context
Percutaneous placement of cecostomy tube for colonic drainage, decompression, or administration of medications. Used in obstruction or fecal incontinence.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 3.66 |
| Total RVU | 3.66 |
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 3.66, this code ranks in the 25th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 49442?
CPT 49442 (Place cecostomy tube percutaneous) is a Surgery code. Placement of cecostomy tube via percutaneous approach under imaging guidance for colonic drainage or venting.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 49442?
The work RVU for CPT 49442 is 3.66. This code is primarily used by Colorectal Surgery, Gastroenterology, Interventional Radiology. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 49442 used?
Percutaneous placement of cecostomy tube for colonic drainage, decompression, or administration of medications. Used in obstruction or fecal incontinence.
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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.