51575 Removal of bladder & nodes
Also known as: radical cystectomy, cystectomy with PLND, cystoprostatectomy with lymphadenectomy
Removal of bladder with pelvic lymph node dissection, total cystectomy with en bloc removal of regional lymph nodes for cancer staging.
In Plain Language
bladder removal with lymph node removal
Clinical Context
Standard surgical treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Lymphadenectomy provides staging and oncologic control.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 33.33 |
| Total RVU | 33.33 |
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 33.33, this code ranks in the 95th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.2x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 51575?
CPT 51575 (Removal of bladder & nodes) is a Surgery code. Removal of bladder with pelvic lymph node dissection, total cystectomy with en bloc removal of regional lymph nodes for cancer staging.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 51575?
The work RVU for CPT 51575 is 33.33. This code is primarily used by Urology, Oncology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 51575 used?
Standard surgical treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Lymphadenectomy provides staging and oncologic control.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
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.