50688 Change of ureter tube/stent
Also known as: ureteral tube exchange, stent exchange, catheter change
Percutaneous change (exchange) of a ureteral tube or stent under fluoroscopic guidance.
In Plain Language
replacement of ureter drainage tube; ureter tube change
Clinical Context
Used for routine stent or tube maintenance due to migration, blockage, or routine exchange.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.17 |
| Total RVU | 1.17 |
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 10-day global period — follow-up visits within 10 days of the procedure are included in the reimbursement. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.17, this code ranks in the 6th percentile among Surgery codes — 6.8x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 50688?
CPT 50688 (Change of ureter tube/stent) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous change (exchange) of a ureteral tube or stent under fluoroscopic guidance.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 50688?
The work RVU for CPT 50688 is 1.17. This code is primarily used by Urology, Interventional Radiology. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 50688 used?
Used for routine stent or tube maintenance due to migration, blockage, or routine exchange.
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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.