50972 Ureter endoscopy & catheter
Also known as: transurethral ureteroscopy with catheter, retrograde stent placement
Endoscopy of ureter with ureteral catheter insertion via transurethral approach for drainage or diagnostic access.
In Plain Language
camera examination with catheter placement through bladder
Clinical Context
Used for ureteral stent placement, catheter drainage, or diagnostic access in cases of obstruction or stricture.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.71 |
| Total RVU | 6.71 |
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 6.71, this code ranks in the 44th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 50972?
CPT 50972 (Ureter endoscopy & catheter) is a Surgery code. Endoscopy of ureter with ureteral catheter insertion via transurethral approach for drainage or diagnostic access.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 50972?
The work RVU for CPT 50972 is 6.71. This code is primarily used by Urology.
When is CPT 50972 used?
Used for ureteral stent placement, catheter drainage, or diagnostic access in cases of obstruction or stricture.
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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.