51570 Removal of bladder
Also known as: total cystectomy, bladder removal, cystectomy
Removal of bladder (total cystectomy), complete surgical excision of bladder for cancer or end-stage dysfunction.
In Plain Language
surgical removal of entire bladder
Clinical Context
Indicated for invasive bladder cancer, severely dysfunctional bladder, or intractable pain. Requires urinary diversion (ileal conduit or neobladder).
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 26.77 |
| Total RVU | 26.77 |
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 26.77, this code ranks in the 90th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.3x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 51570?
CPT 51570 (Removal of bladder) is a Surgery code. Removal of bladder (total cystectomy), complete surgical excision of bladder for cancer or end-stage dysfunction.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 51570?
The work RVU for CPT 51570 is 26.77. This code is primarily used by Urology, Oncology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 51570 used?
Indicated for invasive bladder cancer, severely dysfunctional bladder, or intractable pain. Requires urinary diversion (ileal conduit or neobladder).
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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.