62194 Replace/irrigate catheter
Also known as: catheter replacement, shunt revision, catheter irrigation
Replacement or irrigation of ventricular catheter or shunt catheter. Includes removal of old catheter and placement of new one.
In Plain Language
shunt tube replacement; brain drainage tube replacement
Clinical Context
Used for replacement of malfunctioning, infected, or occluded ventricular or shunt catheters.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.64 |
| Total RVU | 5.64 |
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 10-day global period — follow-up visits within 10 days of the procedure are included in the reimbursement. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 5.64, this code ranks in the 38th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 62194?
CPT 62194 (Replace/irrigate catheter) is a Surgery code. Replacement or irrigation of ventricular catheter or shunt catheter. Includes removal of old catheter and placement of new one.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 62194?
The work RVU for CPT 62194 is 5.64. This code is primarily used by Neurosurgery. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 62194 used?
Used for replacement of malfunctioning, infected, or occluded ventricular or shunt catheters.
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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.