CPT code 50433: Catheter placement, nephroureteral catheter2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Baltimore area, MD
Report percutaneous placement of a catheter extending from the kidney through the ureter, commonly to provide drainage across a ureteral obstruction.
In Baltimore area, MD, Medicare pays $1,146.84 for 50433 in the office and $229.00 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 50433 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
What 50433 covers
An interventional radiologist typically accesses the kidney’s collecting system through the skin and advances a nephroureteral catheter through the ureter, often into the bladder. The catheter can provide drainage across a ureteral obstruction or other condition that prevents normal urine flow. Imaging guidance is used to place the catheter, and diagnostic nephrostogram or ureterogram imaging performed as part of the placement is included. The service is commonly performed in a hospital or imaging center.
Report 50433 when the documented service places a nephroureteral catheter, rather than a catheter that remains in the kidney as in 50432. The procedure note should support the indication, percutaneous access, catheter course and endpoint, and laterality. This is a minor procedure with a 0-day global period, so same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included. For bilateral procedures, modifier 50 is paid at 150%. When multiple procedures occur in one session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and the others at 50%. Assistant-at-surgery payment is restricted; 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 Baltimore area, MD compares for 50433
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 50433 runs from $940.37 in Arkansas to $1,479.32 in San Benito County, CA. Baltimore area, MD pays $1,146.84. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Baltimore area, MD · this page$1,146.84
- Rest of Maryland · Maryland$1,085.75−$61.09
- Los Angeles, CA · California$1,239.01+$92.17
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$1,244.63+$97.79
- Miami, FL · Florida$1,138.51−$8.33
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$1,103.38−$43.46
- Manhattan, NY · New York$1,240.37+$93.53
Other areas in Maryland first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlaskaAlaska | $1,207.09 | $296.09 |
| AlabamaAlabama | $955.56 | $207.08 |
| ArkansasArkansas | $940.37 | $205.58 |
| ArizonaArizona | $1,044.61 | $215.74 |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $1,156.75 | $219.24 |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $1,155.13 | $217.61 |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $1,155.22 | $217.70 |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $1,155.13 | $217.61 |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $1,155.13 | $217.61 |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $1,155.13 | $217.61 |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $1,155.13 | $217.61 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $1,155.13 | $217.61 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $1,360.40 | $232.98 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $1,235.26 | $224.18 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $1,155.13 | $217.61 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $1,155.13 | $217.61 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $1,160.91 | $223.39 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $1,218.07 | $223.24 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $1,213.68 | $222.27 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $1,246.65 | $223.60 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $1,446.93 | $240.82 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $1,446.32 | $240.21 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $1,479.32 | $245.84 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $1,476.86 | $243.38 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $1,193.52 | $219.22 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $1,262.03 | $222.72 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $1,219.43 | $222.04 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $1,275.12 | $224.69 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $1,155.13 | $217.61 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $1,359.53 | $232.12 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $1,155.13 | $217.61 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $1,155.13 | $217.61 |
| ColoradoColorado | $1,130.08 | $219.93 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $1,150.59 | $229.33 |
| DelawareDelaware | $1,063.16 | $218.03 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $1,100.75 | $234.23 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $1,044.46 | $226.70 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $1,093.18 | $224.09 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $981.82 | $218.80 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $1,189.70 | $217.12 |
| IowaIowa | $988.28 | $205.59 |
| IdahoIdaho | $994.09 | $207.12 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $1,021.37 | $234.40 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $1,007.13 | $226.16 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $1,113.76 | $235.27 |
| IndianaIndiana | $1,000.57 | $207.61 |
| KansasKansas | $980.35 | $207.07 |
| KentuckyKentucky | $974.23 | $213.79 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $1,024.57 | $219.64 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $971.42 | $214.40 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $1,252.84 | $231.49 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $1,121.20 | $220.46 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $996.72 | $209.76 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $1,060.27 | $212.58 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $1,055.74 | $230.28 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $999.45 | $218.47 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $1,088.27 | $208.07 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $1,019.97 | $216.75 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $1,032.02 | $217.68 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $951.17 | $213.82 |
| MississippiMississippi | $946.12 | $209.62 |
| MontanaMontana | $1,074.81 | $219.41 |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $1,008.63 | $210.55 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $1,064.33 | $208.93 |
| NebraskaNebraska | $995.08 | $205.55 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $1,109.23 | $218.76 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $1,229.25 | $236.99 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $1,165.27 | $231.18 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $1,004.30 | $219.90 |
| NevadaNevada | $1,072.78 | $216.53 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $1,269.27 | $252.20 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $1,170.77 | $234.11 |
| Queens, NYNew York | $1,255.67 | $244.59 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $1,024.94 | $212.32 |
| OhioOhio | $997.31 | $216.33 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $975.36 | $211.49 |
| Portland, OROregon | $1,172.04 | $221.69 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $1,066.01 | $214.04 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $1,117.82 | $227.35 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $1,000.66 | $215.40 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $1,084.40 | $219.59 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $1,105.51 | $221.89 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $1,004.33 | $213.95 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $1,063.09 | $207.69 |
| TennesseeTennessee | $985.40 | $207.84 |
| Austin, TXTexas | $1,124.93 | $219.92 |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $993.23 | $214.82 |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $1,064.23 | $216.53 |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $1,070.23 | $218.26 |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $1,061.54 | $218.12 |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $1,066.86 | $217.45 |
| Houston, TXTexas | $1,076.56 | $227.15 |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $1,027.59 | $215.82 |
| UtahUtah | $1,019.47 | $215.39 |
| VirginiaVirginia | $1,054.46 | $213.60 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $1,084.40 | $219.59 |
| VermontVermont | $1,057.17 | $210.32 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $1,120.07 | $219.33 |
| King County, WAWashington | $1,282.49 | $232.91 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $1,025.09 | $205.62 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $965.51 | $222.17 |
| WyomingWyoming | $1,070.24 | $214.84 |
50433 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
Explore a state
Local rates. Clear comparisons.
Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.
$940.37
$1,317.23
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $1,207.09 | 1 |
| AL | $955.56 | 1 |
| AR | $940.37 | 1 |
| AZ | $1,044.61 | 1 |
| CA | $1,155.13–$1,479.32 | 29 |
| CO | $1,130.08 | 1 |
| CT | $1,150.59 | 1 |
| DC | $1,244.63 | 1 |
| DE | $1,063.16 | 1 |
| FL | $1,044.46–$1,138.51 | 3 |
| GA | $981.82–$1,093.18 | 2 |
| GU | $1,189.70 | 1 |
| HI | $1,189.70 | 1 |
| IA | $988.28 | 1 |
| ID | $994.09 | 1 |
| IL | $1,007.13–$1,113.76 | 4 |
| IN | $1,000.57 | 1 |
| KS | $980.35 | 1 |
| KY | $974.23 | 1 |
| LA | $971.42–$1,024.57 | 2 |
| MA | $1,121.20–$1,252.84 | 2 |
| MD | $1,085.75–$1,244.63 | 3 |
| ME | $996.72–$1,060.27 | 2 |
| MI | $999.45–$1,055.74 | 2 |
| MN | $1,088.27 | 1 |
| MO | $951.17–$1,032.02 | 3 |
| MS | $946.12 | 1 |
| MT | $1,074.81 | 1 |
| NC | $1,008.63 | 1 |
| ND | $1,064.33 | 1 |
| NE | $995.08 | 1 |
| NH | $1,109.23 | 1 |
| NJ | $1,165.27–$1,229.25 | 2 |
| NM | $1,004.30 | 1 |
| NV | $1,072.78 | 1 |
| NY | $1,024.94–$1,269.27 | 5 |
| OH | $997.31 | 1 |
| OK | $975.36 | 1 |
| OR | $1,066.01–$1,172.04 | 2 |
| PA | $1,000.66–$1,117.82 | 2 |
| PR | $1,084.40 | 1 |
| RI | $1,105.51 | 1 |
| SC | $1,004.33 | 1 |
| SD | $1,063.09 | 1 |
| TN | $985.40 | 1 |
| TX | $993.23–$1,124.93 | 8 |
| UT | $1,019.47 | 1 |
| VA | $1,054.46–$1,244.63 | 2 |
| VI | $1,084.40 | 1 |
| VT | $1,057.17 | 1 |
| WA | $1,120.07–$1,282.49 | 2 |
| WI | $1,025.09 | 1 |
| WV | $965.51 | 1 |
| WY | $1,070.24 | 1 |
How the 50433 rate is calculated
Each of 50433’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 · 50433
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work4.92
4.92 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense26.73
26.73 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.53
0.53 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
32.1800
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$1,074.84
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Baltimore area, MD inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
5,920
- Code
- 50433
- Physician work
- 4.92
- Practice expense
- 26.73
- Malpractice
- 0.53
GPCI2026.csv
60
- Locality
- Baltimore area, MD
- Physician work
- 1.016
- Practice expense
- 1.073
- Malpractice
- 1.237
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 4.92 | × 1.016 | 4.9987 |
| Practice expense | 26.73 | × 1.073 | 28.6813 |
| Malpractice | 0.53 | × 1.237 | 0.6556 |
| Total RVUs | 34.3356 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Baltimore area, MD$1146.84
Office: (4.92 × 1.016 + 26.73 × 1.073 + 0.53 × 1.237) × $33.4009 = $1146.84
Facility: (4.92 × 1.016 + 1.12 × 1.073 + 0.53 × 1.237) × $33.4009 = $229.00
Payment rules and modifiers for 50433
The CMS indicators that decide how 50433 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 50433
Catheter placement, nephroureteral catheter
| 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) | 1 | Bilateral with modifier 50 pays 150% of the fee schedule amount. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 1 | Not paid (statutory restriction). |
| 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 50 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
50433 without 50 · national office
$1,074.84
Catheter placement, nephroureteral catheter
50433-50 · Bilateral: 150%
$1,612.26
Both sides on one line with modifier 50 are paid at 150% of the fee schedule amount (subject to multiple-procedure rules with other procedures).
How 50433 has changed in Baltimore area, MD
50433 · Office / nonfacility
$1146.84
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $19.59 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $1127.25 to $1146.84 (1.7%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
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
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$1127.25changed to$1146.84
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 5.05 changed to 4.92
- Practice expense RVU 26.93 changed to 26.73
- Malpractice RVU 0.51 changed to 0.53
- Work GPCI 1.020 changed to 1.016
- Practice expense GPCI 1.078 changed to 1.073
- Malpractice GPCI 1.309 changed to 1.237
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$1188.47changed to$1127.25
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 27.71 changed to 26.93
- Malpractice RVU 0.52 changed to 0.51
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$1169.07changed to$1188.47
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$1252.49changed to$1169.07
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 28.63 changed to 27.71
- Malpractice RVU 0.51 changed to 0.52
- Work GPCI 1.024 changed to 1.020
- Practice expense GPCI 1.087 changed to 1.078
- Malpractice GPCI 1.311 changed to 1.309
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$1315.20changed to$1252.49
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 29.40 changed to 28.63
- Malpractice RVU 0.45 changed to 0.51
- Work GPCI 1.028 changed to 1.024
- Practice expense GPCI 1.096 changed to 1.087
- Malpractice GPCI 1.313 changed to 1.311
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$1337.57changed to$1315.20
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 29.70 changed to 29.40
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$1284.17changed to$1337.57
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 27.24 changed to 29.70
- Malpractice RVU 0.44 changed to 0.45
- Work GPCI 1.026 changed to 1.028
- Practice expense GPCI 1.095 changed to 1.096
- Malpractice GPCI 1.304 changed to 1.313
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$1223.28changed to$1284.17
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 25.76 changed to 27.24
- Work GPCI 1.023 changed to 1.026
- Malpractice GPCI 1.295 changed to 1.304
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$1173.92changed to$1223.28
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 24.53 changed to 25.76
- Malpractice RVU 0.45 changed to 0.44
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$1169.08changed to$1173.92
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 24.50 changed to 24.53
- Practice expense GPCI 1.096 changed to 1.095
- Malpractice GPCI 1.238 changed to 1.295
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$1257.60changed to$1169.08
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Work RVU 5.30 changed to 5.05
- Practice expense RVU 26.57 changed to 24.50
- Malpractice RVU 0.47 changed to 0.45
- Practice expense GPCI 1.097 changed to 1.096
- Malpractice GPCI 1.181 changed to 1.238
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
No ratechanged to$1257.60
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: No rate
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D, RVU14A, RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D, RVU15A, RVU15B, RVU15C, RVU15D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $1,146.84 | $229.00 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $1,146.84 | $229.00 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $1,146.84 | $229.00 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $1,146.84 | $229.00 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $1,127.25 | $254.81 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $1,127.25 | $254.81 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $1,127.25 | $254.81 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $1,127.25 | $254.81 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $1,188.47 | $259.79 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $1,188.47 | $259.79 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $1,188.47 | $259.79 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $1,188.47 | $259.79 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $1,169.07 | $255.55 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $1,252.49 | $266.41 | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $1,252.49 | $266.41 | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $1,252.49 | $266.41 | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $1,252.49 | $266.41 | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $1,315.20 | $269.51 | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $1,315.20 | $269.51 | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $1,315.20 | $269.51 | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $1,315.20 | $269.51 | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $1,337.57 | $272.51 | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $1,337.57 | $272.51 | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $1,337.57 | $272.51 | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $1,337.57 | $272.51 | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $1,284.17 | $283.18 | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $1,284.17 | $283.18 | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $1,284.17 | $283.18 | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $1,284.17 | $283.18 | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $1,223.28 | $283.67 | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $1,223.28 | $283.67 | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $1,223.28 | $283.67 | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $1,223.28 | $283.67 | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $1,173.92 | $285.01 | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $1,173.92 | $285.01 | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $1,173.92 | $285.01 | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $1,173.92 | $285.01 | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $1,169.08 | $284.46 | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $1,169.08 | $284.46 | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $1,169.08 | $284.46 | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $1,169.08 | $284.46 | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $1,257.60 | $297.27 | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $1,257.60 | $297.27 | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $1,257.60 | $297.27 | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $1,257.60 | $297.27 | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13AR |
Where the Baltimore area, MD rate applies
Baltimore area, MD is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 100 cities and communities in Maryland. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Baltimore
- Aberdeen
- Aberdeen Proving Ground
- Abingdon
- Annapolis
- Annapolis Neck
- Arbutus
- Arden on the Severn
50433 billing questions
How is 50433 different from 50432?
50433 is for a catheter advanced through the ureter as a nephroureteral catheter. Use 50432 when the catheter is placed in the kidney and does not extend through the ureter.
Can the nephrostogram or ureterogram be billed separately?
Diagnostic nephrostogram or ureterogram imaging performed as part of the catheter placement is included in 50433.
When should 50434 be considered instead?
50434 describes converting an existing nephrostomy catheter to a nephroureteral catheter. 50433 describes placement of the nephroureteral catheter rather than conversion of an existing catheter.
How should bilateral placement be reported?
For a bilateral procedure, report modifier 50; CMS pays the bilateral procedure at 150%.
What happens when other procedures are performed in the same session?
Under the standard multiple procedure reduction, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and the others at 50%. Same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included in 50433’s 0-day global period.
Can an assistant or co-surgeon be reported?
Assistant-at-surgery payment is restricted for 50433. 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
Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
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