51020 Cystotomy/cystostomy with fulg
Also known as: cystotomy with fulguration, bladder incision with cautery
Cystotomy with cystostomy and fulguration, surgical opening of bladder with creation of drain and cauterization of bladder tissue for lesion or bleeding control.
In Plain Language
opening bladder and burning tissue to stop bleeding
Clinical Context
Performed for bladder hemorrhage control, lesion destruction, or tumor fulguration. Cystostomy drain provides postoperative decompression.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 7.50 |
| Total RVU | 7.50 |
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 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 7.50, this code ranks in the 48th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 51020?
CPT 51020 (Cystotomy/cystostomy with fulg) is a Surgery code. Cystotomy with cystostomy and fulguration, surgical opening of bladder with creation of drain and cauterization of bladder tissue for lesion or bleeding control.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 51020?
The work RVU for CPT 51020 is 7.50. This code is primarily used by Urology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 51020 used?
Performed for bladder hemorrhage control, lesion destruction, or tumor fulguration. Cystostomy drain provides postoperative decompression.
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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.