59076 Fetal shunt placement with ultrasound
Also known as: fetal shunt, thoracoamniotic shunt, vesicoamniotic shunt
Placement of a shunt into a fetal cavity (thoracic-amniotic, vesicoamniotic, or other) under ultrasound guidance for continuous drainage.
In Plain Language
placing a tube to drain fluid from the fetus
Clinical Context
Indicated for pleural effusion, cystic adenomatoid malformation, or lower urinary tract obstruction causing fetal hydrops and threatening fetal viability.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 8.77 |
| Total RVU | 8.77 |
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 8.77, this code ranks in the 53rd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.1x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 59076?
CPT 59076 (Fetal shunt placement with ultrasound) is a Surgery code. Placement of a shunt into a fetal cavity (thoracic-amniotic, vesicoamniotic, or other) under ultrasound guidance for continuous drainage.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 59076?
The work RVU for CPT 59076 is 8.77. This code is primarily used by Maternal Fetal Medicine.
When is CPT 59076 used?
Indicated for pleural effusion, cystic adenomatoid malformation, or lower urinary tract obstruction causing fetal hydrops and threatening fetal viability.
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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.