50234 Removal of kidney & ureter
Also known as: nephroureterectomy, open nephroureterectomy, kidney and ureter removal
Open surgical removal of the kidney and ureter (nephroureterectomy) for a tumor or disease of the upper urinary tract.
In Plain Language
surgical removal of kidney and ureter; kidney and urine tube removal
Clinical Context
Used for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma, infected nonfunctioning kidney with ipsilateral ureteral pathology, and other upper urinary tract malignancies.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 23.45 |
| Total RVU | 23.45 |
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 23.45, 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 50234?
CPT 50234 (Removal of kidney & ureter) is a Surgery code. Open surgical removal of the kidney and ureter (nephroureterectomy) for a tumor or disease of the upper urinary tract.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 50234?
The work RVU for CPT 50234 is 23.45. This code is primarily used by Urology, Oncology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 50234 used?
Used for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma, infected nonfunctioning kidney with ipsilateral ureteral pathology, and other upper urinary tract malignancies.
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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.