50236 Removal of kidney & ureter
Also known as: radical nephroureterectomy, nephroureterectomy with cuff, en bloc resection
Open surgical removal of the kidney and ureter (nephroureterectomy) for malignancy including en bloc resection of bladder cuff for complete tumor removal.
In Plain Language
surgical removal of kidney, ureter, and bladder tissue; complete upper urinary tract removal
Clinical Context
Used for high-grade or invasive upper tract urothelial carcinoma to reduce intravesical recurrence by removing the distal ureter and adjacent bladder tissue.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 26.27 |
| Total RVU | 26.27 |
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 26.27, this code ranks in the 90th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.3x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 50236?
CPT 50236 (Removal of kidney & ureter) is a Surgery code. Open surgical removal of the kidney and ureter (nephroureterectomy) for malignancy including en bloc resection of bladder cuff for complete tumor removal.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 50236?
The work RVU for CPT 50236 is 26.27. This code is primarily used by Urology, Oncology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 50236 used?
Used for high-grade or invasive upper tract urothelial carcinoma to reduce intravesical recurrence by removing the distal ureter and adjacent bladder tissue.
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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.