50340 Recipient nephrectomy
Also known as: recipient nephrectomy, native nephrectomy, pretransplant nephrectomy
Surgical removal of the native (patient's own) kidney in a renal transplant recipient to prepare for or facilitate the transplantation.
In Plain Language
removal of patient's kidney before transplant; removal of native kidney
Clinical Context
Performed when chronic renal disease with uncontrolled hypertension, recurrent infections, or massive proteinuria warrants removal of native kidneys before transplant.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 13.69 |
| Total RVU | 13.69 |
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 13.69, this code ranks in the 69th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.7x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 50340?
CPT 50340 (Recipient nephrectomy) is a Surgery code. Surgical removal of the native (patient's own) kidney in a renal transplant recipient to prepare for or facilitate the transplantation.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 50340?
The work RVU for CPT 50340 is 13.69. This code is primarily used by Transplant Surgery, Urology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 50340 used?
Performed when chronic renal disease with uncontrolled hypertension, recurrent infections, or massive proteinuria warrants removal of native kidneys before transplant.
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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.