50387 Change nephroureteral catheter
Also known as: nephrostomy tube exchange, catheter exchange, percutaneous catheter change
Percutaneous change (exchange) of a nephroureteral catheter (combined kidney and ureter drainage) under fluoroscopic guidance.
In Plain Language
replacement of combined kidney drainage tube; drainage tube replacement
Clinical Context
Used for maintenance of percutaneous access when internal ureteral stenting is insufficient or complex obstruction requires dual drainage.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.71 |
| Total RVU | 1.71 |
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 1.71, this code ranks in the 11th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.7x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 50387?
CPT 50387 (Change nephroureteral catheter) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous change (exchange) of a nephroureteral catheter (combined kidney and ureter drainage) under fluoroscopic guidance.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 50387?
The work RVU for CPT 50387 is 1.71. This code is primarily used by Urology, Interventional Radiology.
When is CPT 50387 used?
Used for maintenance of percutaneous access when internal ureteral stenting is insufficient or complex obstruction requires dual drainage.
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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.