49591 repair aa hrn first < 3 centimeters rdc
Also known as: ventral hernia repair, abdominal wall hernia repair, primary hernia repair
Initial repair of abdominal wall hernia (primary) less than 3 centimeters with simple closure.
In Plain Language
surgical repair of small belly button or abdominal hernia; closure of abdominal muscle separation
Clinical Context
Surgical repair of primary ventral or abdominal wall hernia less than 3 centimeters. Simple closure may be used for small defects with good tissue quality.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.81 |
| Total RVU | 5.81 |
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 5.81, this code ranks in the 39th 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 49591?
CPT 49591 (repair aa hrn first < 3 centimeters rdc) is a Surgery code. Initial repair of abdominal wall hernia (primary) less than 3 centimeters with simple closure.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 49591?
The work RVU for CPT 49591 is 5.81. This code is primarily used by General Surgery.
When is CPT 49591 used?
Surgical repair of primary ventral or abdominal wall hernia less than 3 centimeters. Simple closure may be used for small defects with good tissue quality.
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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.