51702 Insert temp bladder catheter
Also known as: temporary catheterization, acute catheter placement, Foley catheter temporary, straight cath
Insertion of temporary bladder catheter with short-term dwell, placement for temporary drainage in acute situations.
In Plain Language
placement of temporary drainage tube
Clinical Context
Used for acute urinary retention or post-operative drainage anticipated short-term.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.49 |
| Total RVU | 0.49 |
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 0.49, this code ranks in the 1st percentile among Surgery codes — 16.3x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 51702?
CPT 51702 (Insert temp bladder catheter) is a Surgery code. Insertion of temporary bladder catheter with short-term dwell, placement for temporary drainage in acute situations.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 51702?
The work RVU for CPT 51702 is 0.49. This code is primarily used by Urology, General Surgery.
When is CPT 51702 used?
Used for acute urinary retention or post-operative drainage anticipated short-term.
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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.