CPT code 49082: Paracentesis, without imaging guidance2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Riverside, CA

Needle drainage of peritoneal fluid without imaging guidance for diagnostic sampling or relief of ascites is reported with CPT 49082.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality8.4K Medicare services in 2024

In Riverside, CA, Medicare pays $263.92 for 49082 in the office and $73.20 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$263.92Office (non-facility)
$73.20Hospital or facility
+7.7%vs the national office rate ($245.16)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 49082 nationwide

Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.

We’ll open 49082 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Riverside, CA
  2. What 49082 covers
  3. Compared with other areas
  4. Rate map
  5. How it’s calculated
  6. Payment rules
  7. Related codes
  8. Rate history
  9. Where it applies
  10. Billing questions
  11. Sources

What 49082 covers

49082 represents needle or catheter entry through the abdominal wall into the peritoneal cavity to withdraw ascitic fluid without imaging guidance. The procedure may be diagnostic, such as sampling new or worsening ascites for evaluation, or therapeutic to relieve symptomatic fluid accumulation, including ascites associated with cirrhosis or malignancy. Physicians commonly perform it at the bedside or in hospital and clinic settings.

Choose 49082 when the tap is performed without imaging guidance; when imaging guides the procedure, report 49083 instead. Documentation should identify the indication, technique, fluid obtained, amount removed, and whether a specimen was sent for testing. Separately performed laboratory analysis is reported under the applicable lab codes. The 0-day global period includes same-day preoperative and postoperative care. When multiple procedures are performed in one session, CMS pays the highest-valued procedure in full and the others at 50%. Modifier 50 is inappropriate. CMS does not pay an assistant at surgery; co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.

This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.

How Riverside, CA compares for 49082

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 49082 runs from $214.00 in Arkansas to $334.05 in San Benito County, CA. Riverside, CA pays $263.92. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

49082 in Riverside, CA vs other payment areas
  1. Riverside, CA · this page$263.92
  2. Bakersfield, CA · California$262.33−$1.59
  3. Chico, CA · California$261.76−$2.16
  4. El Centro, CA · California$261.80−$2.12
  5. Fresno, CA · California$261.76−$2.16
  6. Hanford, CA · California$261.76−$2.16
  7. Los Angeles, CA · California$280.82+$16.90

Other areas in California first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

49082 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
Madera, CACalifornia$261.76$71.04
Merced, CACalifornia$261.76$71.04
Modesto, CACalifornia$261.76$71.04
Napa, CACalifornia$307.41$78.05
Oxnard, CACalifornia$279.82$74.13
Redding, CACalifornia$261.76$71.04
Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia$261.76$71.04
Sacramento, CACalifornia$275.80$73.42

49082 rates by state

Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.

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Local rates. Clear comparisons.

Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.

$214.00

$297.91

Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.

View every state and territory as a table
49082 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$275.251
AL$217.501
AR$214.001
AZ$238.061
CA$261.76–$334.0529
CO$256.861
CT$262.621
DC$283.361
DE$242.311
FL$239.81–$263.503
GA$225.05–$249.802
GU$269.491
HI$269.491
IA$224.301
ID$225.801
IL$231.69–$255.954
IN$227.271
KS$222.831
KY$222.611
LA$222.10–$234.392
MA$254.95–$284.512
MD$247.40–$283.363
ME$226.79–$240.922
MI$228.79–$242.812
MN$246.201
MO$217.66–$235.673
MS$215.891
MT$245.151
NC$229.481
ND$241.191
NE$225.761
NH$252.451
NJ$265.65–$279.852
NM$230.071
NV$244.251
NY$233.28–$290.915
OH$227.981
OK$222.481
OR$242.39–$266.082
PA$228.55–$255.302
PR$247.241
RI$251.751
SC$229.111
SD$240.731
TN$224.051
TX$226.86–$255.978
UT$232.601
VA$239.83–$283.362
VI$247.241
VT$239.881
WA$254.59–$290.922
WI$232.221
WV$222.091
WY$243.431

See 49082 in every payment locality

How the 49082 rate is calculated

Each of 49082’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.

How the rate is built · 49082

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work1.21

1.21 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense5.93

5.93 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.20

0.20 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

7.3400

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$245.16

Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.

The exact Riverside, CA inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

5,770

Code
49082
Physician work
1.21
Practice expense
5.93
Malpractice
0.20

GPCI2026.csv

20

Locality
Riverside, CA
Physician work
1.018
Practice expense
1.096
Malpractice
0.853
Office calculation for 49082 in Riverside, CA
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work1.21× 1.0181.2318
Practice expense5.93× 1.0966.4993
Malpractice0.20× 0.8530.1706
Total RVUs7.9017
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Riverside, CA$263.92

Office: (1.21 × 1.018 + 5.93 × 1.096 + 0.2 × 0.853) × $33.4009 = $263.92

Facility: (1.21 × 1.018 + 0.72 × 1.096 + 0.2 × 0.853) × $33.4009 = $73.20

Open 49082 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 49082

The CMS indicators that decide how 49082 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 49082

Paracentesis, without imaging guidance

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global period000Same-day global: pre- and post-op care on the day of the procedure is included.
Multiple procedures2Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%.
Bilateral (modifier 50)0The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply.
Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS)1Not paid (statutory restriction).
Co-surgeons (62)0Not permitted.
Team surgery (66)0Not permitted.
Professional/technical0Physician service: no professional/technical split.

What modifiers do to the payment

Modifier 51 · payment effect

With and without the modifier

49082 without 51 · national office

$245.16

Paracentesis, without imaging guidance

49082-51 · Second procedure: 50%

$122.58

When this isn’t the highest-valued procedure in the session, Medicare pays 50% of its fee schedule amount (the highest is paid at 100%).

When to use modifier 51

How 49082 has changed in Riverside, CA

49082 · Office / nonfacility

$263.92

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $49.41 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $214.51 to $263.92 (23.0%).

It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.

Base rate by release · bars start at $0 · select a bar to compare

One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.

What changed, release by release
  1. January 1, 2026

    RVU26A

    $214.51changed to$263.92

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 1.24 changed to 1.21
    • Practice expense RVU 4.77 changed to 5.93
    • Malpractice RVU 0.18 changed to 0.20
    • Work GPCI 1.014 changed to 1.018
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.093 changed to 1.096
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.892 changed to 0.853

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $226.50changed to$214.51

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 4.92 changed to 4.77
    • Malpractice RVU 0.19 changed to 0.18

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $222.80changed to$226.50

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $229.85changed to$222.80

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 4.95 changed to 4.92
    • Work GPCI 1.021 changed to 1.014
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.079 changed to 1.093
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.924 changed to 0.892
  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $236.47changed to$229.85

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 5.05 changed to 4.95
    • Work GPCI 1.027 changed to 1.021
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.065 changed to 1.079
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.955 changed to 0.924

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $237.79changed to$236.47

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 5.06 changed to 5.05
    • Malpractice RVU 0.17 changed to 0.19
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.896 changed to 0.955

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $221.13changed to$237.79

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 4.40 changed to 5.06
    • Malpractice RVU 0.18 changed to 0.17
    • Work GPCI 1.024 changed to 1.027
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.070 changed to 1.065
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.830 changed to 0.896

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $215.24changed to$221.13

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 4.27 changed to 4.40
    • Malpractice RVU 0.16 changed to 0.18
    • Work GPCI 1.021 changed to 1.024
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.074 changed to 1.070
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.753 changed to 0.830

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $210.34changed to$215.24

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 4.16 changed to 4.27
    • Work GPCI 1.020 changed to 1.021
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.689 changed to 0.753

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $207.16changed to$210.34

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 4.08 changed to 4.16
    • Work GPCI 1.024 changed to 1.020
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.079 changed to 1.074
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.626 changed to 0.689

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    No ratechanged to$207.16

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: No rate

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D, RVU14A, RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D, RVU15A, RVU15B, RVU15C, RVU15D, RVU16A, RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$263.92$73.20RVU26D
2026-07-01$263.92$73.20RVU26C
2026-04-01$263.92$73.20RVU26B
2026-01-01$263.92$73.20RVU26A
2025-10-01$214.51$72.73RVU25D
2025-07-01$214.51$72.73RVU25C
2025-04-01$214.51$72.73RVU25B
2025-01-01$214.51$72.73RVU25A
2024-10-01$226.50$74.78RVU24D
2024-07-01$226.50$74.78RVU24C
2024-04-01$226.50$74.78RVU24B
2024-03-09$226.50$74.78RVU24AR
2024-01-01$222.80$73.56RVU24A
2023-10-01$229.85$75.54RVU23D
2023-07-01$229.85$75.54RVU23C
2023-04-01$229.85$75.54RVU23B
2023-01-01$229.85$75.54RVU23A
2022-10-01$236.47$77.25RVU22D
2022-07-01$236.47$77.25RVU22C
2022-04-01$236.47$77.25RVU22B
2022-01-01$236.47$77.25RVU22A
2021-10-01$237.79$76.51RVU21D
2021-07-01$237.79$76.51RVU21C
2021-04-01$237.79$76.51RVU21B
2021-01-01$237.79$76.51RVU21A
2020-10-01$221.13$79.02RVU20D
2020-07-01$221.13$79.02RVU20C
2020-04-01$221.13$79.02RVU20B
2020-01-01$221.13$79.02RVU20A
2019-10-01$215.24$77.84RVU19D
2019-07-01$215.24$77.84RVU19C
2019-04-01$215.24$77.84RVU19B
2019-01-01$215.24$77.84RVU19A
2018-10-01$210.34$78.11RVU18D
2018-07-01$210.34$78.11RVU18C
2018-04-01$210.34$78.11RVU18B
2018-01-01$210.34$78.11RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$207.16$78.21RVU17D
2017-07-01$207.16$78.21RVU17C
2017-04-01$207.16$78.21RVU17B
2017-01-01$207.16$78.21RVU17A
2016-10-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU16D
2016-07-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU16C
2016-04-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU16B
2016-01-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU16A
2015-10-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU15D
2015-07-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU15C
2015-04-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU15B
2015-01-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU15A
2014-10-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU14D
2014-07-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU14C
2014-04-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU14B
2014-01-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU14A
2013-10-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13D
2013-07-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13C
2013-04-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13B
2013-01-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13AR

Price 49082 for an earlier date of service

Where the Riverside, CA rate applies

Riverside, CA is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 127 cities and communities in California. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • Ontario
  • Riverside
  • San Bernardino
  • Adelanto
  • Aguanga
  • Anza
  • Apple Valley
  • Baker

Browse all communities in California

49082 billing questions

When should I report 49083 instead?

Report 49083 when imaging guidance is used for the paracentesis. Use 49082 when the procedure is performed without imaging guidance.

Can the ascitic-fluid tests be billed separately?

Yes. Separately performed laboratory testing, such as a fluid cell count or albumin measurement, may be reported under the applicable laboratory codes.

Is modifier 50 appropriate for bilateral paracentesis?

No. CMS identifies bilateral adjustment as inappropriate for this code.

How many units should be reported when a large volume is removed?

Report the procedure, not a unit for each volume removed. Document the amount drained, but do not use the volume as the unit count.

Does the code include same-day care?

Yes. The 0-day global period includes same-day preoperative and postoperative care.

Where these rates come from

FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.

CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027

Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
RVUs for 49082PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 5,770 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for Riverside, CAGPCI2026.csv, line 20 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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