52250 Cystoscopy and radiotracer
Also known as: cysto with radiotracer injection
Cystourethroscopy with insertion of radioactive substance (radiotracer implant) into bladder tumor or tissue for diagnostic imaging or brachytherapy purposes.
In Plain Language
bladder scope with radioactive material placement
Clinical Context
Rarely used in modern urology. May be employed for diagnostic positron emission tomography imaging or experimental brachytherapy approaches.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 4.38 |
| Total RVU | 4.38 |
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 4.38, this code ranks in the 30th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.8x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 52250?
CPT 52250 (Cystoscopy and radiotracer) is a Surgery code. Cystourethroscopy with insertion of radioactive substance (radiotracer implant) into bladder tumor or tissue for diagnostic imaging or brachytherapy purposes.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 52250?
The work RVU for CPT 52250 is 4.38. This code is primarily used by Urology, Nuclear Medicine.
When is CPT 52250 used?
Rarely used in modern urology. May be employed for diagnostic positron emission tomography imaging or experimental brachytherapy approaches.
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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.