50574 Kidney endoscopy & biopsy
Also known as: retrograde renal biopsy, ureteroscopic biopsy, transurethral renal biopsy
Transurethral endoscopy of the kidney (retrograde endoscopy) with tissue biopsy for histopathologic diagnosis.
In Plain Language
kidney tissue sample with camera through urine opening; ureteroscopic biopsy
Clinical Context
Used for tissue diagnosis of upper urinary tract lesions via retrograde endoscopic access.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 10.73 |
| Total RVU | 10.73 |
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 10.73, this code ranks in the 61st percentile among Surgery codes — 1.3x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 50574?
CPT 50574 (Kidney endoscopy & biopsy) is a Surgery code. Transurethral endoscopy of the kidney (retrograde endoscopy) with tissue biopsy for histopathologic diagnosis.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 50574?
The work RVU for CPT 50574 is 10.73. This code is primarily used by Urology, Pathology.
When is CPT 50574 used?
Used for tissue diagnosis of upper urinary tract lesions via retrograde endoscopic access.
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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.