55000 Drainage of hydrocele
Also known as: hydrocele drainage, hydrocele aspiration
Drainage of hydrocele (fluid collection around testis) using needle aspiration or small incision.
In Plain Language
fluid around testicle drainage
Clinical Context
Percutaneous or minimal surgical drainage of hydrocele for symptomatic relief. Often temporary measure.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.39 |
| Total RVU | 1.39 |
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 1.39, this code ranks in the 8th percentile among Surgery codes — 5.8x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 55000?
CPT 55000 (Drainage of hydrocele) is a Surgery code. Drainage of hydrocele (fluid collection around testis) using needle aspiration or small incision.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 55000?
The work RVU for CPT 55000 is 1.39. This code is primarily used by Urology.
When is CPT 55000 used?
Percutaneous or minimal surgical drainage of hydrocele for symptomatic relief. Often temporary measure.
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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.