50389 Remove renal tube with fluoroscopy
Also known as: percutaneous tube removal, nephrostomy removal, percutaneous drain removal
Percutaneous removal of a renal tube (nephrostomy catheter) under fluoroscopic guidance with visualization.
In Plain Language
removal of kidney drainage tube through skin; drainage tube removal
Clinical Context
Used for removal of percutaneous nephrostomy tubes after treatment is complete or when percutaneous access is no longer needed.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.07 |
| Total RVU | 1.07 |
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 1.07, this code ranks in the 5th percentile among Surgery codes — 7.5x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 50389?
CPT 50389 (Remove renal tube with fluoroscopy) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous removal of a renal tube (nephrostomy catheter) under fluoroscopic guidance with visualization.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 50389?
The work RVU for CPT 50389 is 1.07. This code is primarily used by Urology, Interventional Radiology.
When is CPT 50389 used?
Used for removal of percutaneous nephrostomy tubes after treatment is complete or when percutaneous access is no longer needed.
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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.