59074 Fetal fluid drainage with ultrasound
Also known as: fetal fluid drainage, fetal fluid aspiration, drainage of fetal effusion
Drainage of excess fetal fluid or fluid from fetal cavities (thoracic, abdominal, or pericardial) under ultrasound guidance for fetal intervention.
In Plain Language
draining excess fluid from the fetus
Clinical Context
Performed for fetal hydrops, pleural effusion, or pericardial effusion causing hemodynamic compromise or fetal distress.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.11 |
| Total RVU | 5.11 |
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 5.11, this code ranks in the 34th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.6x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 59074?
CPT 59074 (Fetal fluid drainage with ultrasound) is a Surgery code. Drainage of excess fetal fluid or fluid from fetal cavities (thoracic, abdominal, or pericardial) under ultrasound guidance for fetal intervention.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 59074?
The work RVU for CPT 59074 is 5.11. This code is primarily used by Maternal Fetal Medicine.
When is CPT 59074 used?
Performed for fetal hydrops, pleural effusion, or pericardial effusion causing hemodynamic compromise or fetal distress.
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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.