52235 Cystoscopy and treatment
Also known as: cysto with tumor resection and chemotherapy injection, TURBT medium
Cystourethroscopy with resection of bladder tumor and injection of chemotherapy agent directly into the bladder tumor site for local therapeutic effect.
In Plain Language
tumor removal with cancer medicine injection
Clinical Context
Used for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, particularly high-grade disease. Intravesical chemotherapy reduces recurrence and progression risks.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.30 |
| Total RVU | 5.30 |
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 5.30, this code ranks in the 36th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.5x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 52235?
CPT 52235 (Cystoscopy and treatment) is a Surgery code. Cystourethroscopy with resection of bladder tumor and injection of chemotherapy agent directly into the bladder tumor site for local therapeutic effect.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 52235?
The work RVU for CPT 52235 is 5.30. This code is primarily used by Urology, Uro-Oncology.
When is CPT 52235 used?
Used for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, particularly high-grade disease. Intravesical chemotherapy reduces recurrence and progression risks.
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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.