49500 repair ing hernia initial reduce
Also known as: inguinal hernia repair, groin hernia repair, hernia surgery
Initial repair of inguinal hernia with simple closure or mesh reinforcement.
In Plain Language
surgical repair of groin hernia; closure of intestinal protrusion
Clinical Context
Surgical repair of primary inguinal hernia. Used for symptomatic hernias or prevention of incarceration. Open approach with local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.69 |
| Total RVU | 5.69 |
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 5.69, this code ranks in the 38th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 49500?
CPT 49500 (repair ing hernia initial reduce) is a Surgery code. Initial repair of inguinal hernia with simple closure or mesh reinforcement.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 49500?
The work RVU for CPT 49500 is 5.69. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Pediatric Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 49500 used?
Surgical repair of primary inguinal hernia. Used for symptomatic hernias or prevention of incarceration. Open approach with local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
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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.