CPT code 49446: Tube conversion, G-tube to G-J tube2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Michigan
Reports fluoroscopic conversion of an established gastrostomy into gastrojejunal access when post-pyloric tube delivery is needed through the existing tract.
Medicare pays $708.30–$748.73 for 49446 in the office in Michigan, from Rest of Michigan to Detroit, MI. Which amount applies depends on the service address.
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
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What 49446 covers
This service converts an established percutaneous gastrostomy access into gastrojejunal access by passing a tube through the existing gastric tract and positioning its distal end in the small bowel under fluoroscopic guidance. It is typically performed by an interventional radiologist when post-pyloric delivery is needed, including when gastric feeding is not tolerated. Contrast injection and fluoroscopic confirmation of tube position are part of the documented procedure.
Report 49446 for conversion, rather than simply exchanging a G-J tube or replacing a G-tube with another gastric tube. Documentation should identify the existing gastrostomy, the conversion performed, relevant imaging or contrast findings, and the final tube position. The 0-day global period includes same-day preoperative and postoperative care. When another procedure in the same session is subject to the multiple procedure rule, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and the others at 50%. Modifier 50 is inappropriate. Assistant-at-surgery payment requires documented medical necessity; 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.
Where 49446 pays more and less in Michigan
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI | $748.73 | $133.75 |
| Rest of Michigan | $708.30 | $126.46 |
How the 49446 rate is calculated
Each of 49446’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 · 49446
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work2.98
2.98 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense19.53
19.53 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.35
0.35 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
22.8600
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$763.54
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
Payment rules and modifiers for 49446
The CMS indicators that decide how 49446 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 49446
Tube conversion, G-tube to G-J tube
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | 000 | Same-day global: pre- and post-op care on the day of the procedure is included. |
| Multiple procedures | 2 | Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 0 | The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 0 | Not paid without supporting documentation. |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 0 | Physician service: no professional/technical split. |
What modifiers do to the payment
Modifier 51 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
49446 without 51 · national office
$763.54
Tube conversion, G-tube to G-J tube
49446-51 · Second procedure: 50%
$381.77
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%).
49446 compared with similar codes
Compare codes · National
4 codes, side by side
How to choose
- 49452G-J tube replacementPercutaneous exchange
- 49446 converts an existing gastrostomy to G-J access. 49452 is for replacing an existing G-J tube.
- 49450Feeding tube replacementGastrostomy or cecostomy
- 49450 replaces a gastrostomy tube while maintaining gastric access; 49446 changes the access to gastrojejunal delivery.
- 49440Gastrostomy placementPercutaneous, image-guided
- 49440 places new percutaneous gastrostomy access. 49446 converts an established gastrostomy route to G-J access.
49446 billing questions
When should I report 49446 instead of 49452?
Use 49446 to convert an existing gastrostomy to gastrojejunal access. Use 49452 when replacing an existing G-J tube.
Can fluoroscopy or contrast be billed separately?
Fluoroscopic guidance, contrast injection, image documentation, and the report are included in the conversion service.
Should modifier 50 be appended?
No. Bilateral adjustment is inappropriate for this service. The CMS multiple procedure reduction may apply when other procedures are performed in the same session.
What documentation supports reporting 49446?
Document the existing gastrostomy access, the conversion to gastrojejunal access, imaging or contrast findings, and the final tube position.
Can an assistant surgeon be paid for this procedure?
Assistant-at-surgery payment is permitted only when medical necessity is documented. Co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.
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
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