50230 Removal kidney open radical
Also known as: radical nephrectomy, open radical nephrectomy, cancer nephrectomy
Open surgical removal of the kidney (radical nephrectomy) including adjacent structures such as the adrenal gland and surrounding fat for malignancy.
In Plain Language
surgical removal of kidney with surrounding tissue for cancer; radical kidney removal
Clinical Context
Used for renal cell carcinoma and other malignancies of the kidney. Standard approach includes removal of adrenal gland, perinephric fat, and Gerota's fascia.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 23.21 |
| Total RVU | 23.21 |
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 23.21, this code ranks in the 87th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.9x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 50230?
CPT 50230 (Removal kidney open radical) is a Surgery code. Open surgical removal of the kidney (radical nephrectomy) including adjacent structures such as the adrenal gland and surrounding fat for malignancy.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 50230?
The work RVU for CPT 50230 is 23.21. This code is primarily used by Urology, Oncology, General Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 50230 used?
Used for renal cell carcinoma and other malignancies of the kidney. Standard approach includes removal of adrenal gland, perinephric fat, and Gerota's fascia.
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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.