49491 repair hern preemie reduc
Also known as: premature infant hernia repair, preemie hernia repair, infant inguinal repair
Repair of inguinal hernia in premature infant with primary closure or small mesh patch.
In Plain Language
surgical repair of groin hernia in premature baby; closure of intestinal protrusion in newborn
Clinical Context
Surgical repair of inguinal hernia in premature infants. Common finding in prematurity requiring operative intervention to prevent incarceration.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 12.22 |
| Total RVU | 12.22 |
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 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 12.22, this code ranks in the 65th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.5x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 49491?
CPT 49491 (repair hern preemie reduc) is a Surgery code. Repair of inguinal hernia in premature infant with primary closure or small mesh patch.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 49491?
The work RVU for CPT 49491 is 12.22. This code is primarily used by Pediatric Surgery, General Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 49491 used?
Surgical repair of inguinal hernia in premature infants. Common finding in prematurity requiring operative intervention to prevent incarceration.
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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.