51980 Construct bladder opening
Also known as: vesicostomy, bladder stoma creation, bladder opening creation
Surgical creation of a new opening (stoma) between the bladder and the abdominal wall skin, typically a vesicostomy, allowing direct bladder drainage externally via an appliance.
In Plain Language
creating an opening from the bladder to the skin; making a bladder opening
Clinical Context
Used as an alternative urinary diversion in patients with severe neurogenic bladder, spinal cord injury, or when other options are not feasible. Allows non-catheterizable bladder.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 12.26 |
| Total RVU | 12.26 |
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 12.26, this code ranks in the 66th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.5x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 51980?
CPT 51980 (Construct bladder opening) is a Surgery code. Surgical creation of a new opening (stoma) between the bladder and the abdominal wall skin, typically a vesicostomy, allowing direct bladder drainage externally via an appliance.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 51980?
The work RVU for CPT 51980 is 12.26. This code is primarily used by Urology, Spinal Cord Injury Medicine. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 51980 used?
Used as an alternative urinary diversion in patients with severe neurogenic bladder, spinal cord injury, or when other options are not feasible. Allows non-catheterizable bladder.
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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.