53020 Incision of urethra
Also known as: membranous urethrotomy, perineal urethrotomy
Surgical incision of the membranous urethra or perineal body to relieve obstruction or manage post-traumatic strictures.
In Plain Language
opening middle section of urethra
Clinical Context
Used for post-traumatic strictures of membranous urethra. Requires careful preservation of sphincter function.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.73 |
| Total RVU | 1.73 |
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 1.73, this code ranks in the 11th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.6x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 53020?
CPT 53020 (Incision of urethra) is a Surgery code. Surgical incision of the membranous urethra or perineal body to relieve obstruction or manage post-traumatic strictures.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 53020?
The work RVU for CPT 53020 is 1.73. This code is primarily used by Urology.
When is CPT 53020 used?
Used for post-traumatic strictures of membranous urethra. Requires careful preservation of sphincter function.
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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.