50961 Ureter endoscopy & treatment
Also known as: ureteroscopy with treatment, therapeutic ureteroscopy, ureteroscopic intervention
Endoscopy of ureter with therapeutic procedure, alternative coding for ureteroscopic intervention to manage ureteral pathology.
In Plain Language
camera-guided treatment inside the ureter
Clinical Context
Used for therapeutic ureteroscopic procedures such as lithotripsy, stricture treatment, or lesion management.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.89 |
| Total RVU | 5.89 |
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 5.89, this code ranks in the 39th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 50961?
CPT 50961 (Ureter endoscopy & treatment) is a Surgery code. Endoscopy of ureter with therapeutic procedure, alternative coding for ureteroscopic intervention to manage ureteral pathology.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 50961?
The work RVU for CPT 50961 is 5.89. This code is primarily used by Urology.
When is CPT 50961 used?
Used for therapeutic ureteroscopic procedures such as lithotripsy, stricture treatment, or lesion management.
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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.