50551 Kidney endoscopy
Also known as: percutaneous nephroscopy, renal endoscopy, percutaneous renal scope
Percutaneous endoscopy of the kidney (renal endoscopy) for diagnostic visualization and minor therapeutic procedures.
In Plain Language
camera examination of kidney through needle access; minimally invasive kidney viewing
Clinical Context
Used for diagnostic evaluation via percutaneous access, often precursor to therapeutic stone removal or ablation procedures.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.45 |
| Total RVU | 5.45 |
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 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 5.45, this code ranks in the 37th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.5x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 50551?
CPT 50551 (Kidney endoscopy) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous endoscopy of the kidney (renal endoscopy) for diagnostic visualization and minor therapeutic procedures.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 50551?
The work RVU for CPT 50551 is 5.45. This code is primarily used by Urology, Interventional Radiology.
When is CPT 50551 used?
Used for diagnostic evaluation via percutaneous access, often precursor to therapeutic stone removal or ablation procedures.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
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.