CPT code 50951: Ureteroscopy, diagnostic examination2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in North Dakota

Reports endoscopic inspection of the ureter for diagnostic evaluation, including an examination with brushing or washing to collect a specimen.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality53 Medicare services in 2024

In North Dakota, Medicare pays $378.84 for 50951 in the office and $254.93 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$378.84Office (non-facility)
$254.93Hospital or facility
−3.6%vs the national office rate ($393.13)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 50951 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 50951 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in North Dakota
  2. What 50951 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 50951 covers

A urologist uses a ureteroscope to inspect the ureter when imaging or symptoms require direct evaluation of the urinary passage. The examination may include collecting cells or fluid by brushing or washing. It is a diagnostic service: when the procedure includes a ureteral biopsy or therapeutic work, select the code that describes that work rather than treating this as a diagnostic-only examination. Ureteroscopy is commonly performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgical setting.

Documentation should identify the ureter examined, the diagnostic reason, the findings, and any specimen collection. CMS assigns a 0-day global period, so same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included. For multiple procedures in one session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and other procedures are subject to the standard 50% reduction. Bilateral reporting with modifier 50 is paid at 150%. 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.

How North Dakota compares for 50951

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 50951 runs from $356.17 in Arkansas to $488.85 in Alaska. North Dakota pays $378.84. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

50951 in North Dakota vs other payment areas
  1. North Dakota · this page$378.84
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$425.65+$46.81
  3. Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$438.02+$59.18
  4. Miami, FL · Florida$437.25+$58.41
  5. Chicago, IL · Illinois$426.50+$47.66
  6. Manhattan, NY · New York$448.42+$69.58
  7. Alaska · Alaska$488.85+$110.01

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

Every other payment area

50951 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
AlabamaAlabama$360.27$251.84
ArkansasArkansas$356.17$249.73
ArizonaArizona$384.11$264.03
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$404.55$268.74
Chico, CACalifornia$402.41$266.60
El Centro, CACalifornia$402.53$266.72
Fresno, CACalifornia$402.41$266.60
Hanford, CACalifornia$402.41$266.60

50951 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.

$356.17

$488.85

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

View every state and territory as a table
50951 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$488.851
AL$360.271
AR$356.171
AZ$384.111
CA$402.41–$482.1229
CO$401.621
CT$415.781
DC$438.021
DE$389.501
FL$397.33–$437.253
GA$378.37–$401.402
GU$407.581
HI$407.581
IA$363.381
ID$366.111
IL$391.06–$426.504
IN$367.671
KS$363.981
KY$371.181
LA$371.49–$385.822
MA$400.79–$433.062
MD$395.21–$438.023
ME$369.69–$382.642
MI$380.63–$403.352
MN$381.401
MO$367.75–$384.573
MS$361.921
MT$393.081
NC$372.431
ND$378.841
NE$364.361
NH$397.481
NJ$419.55–$435.412
NM$383.081
NV$389.291
NY$377.02–$459.785
OH$377.721
OK$368.571
OR$385.27–$409.922
PA$377.10–$408.542
PR$394.741
RI$400.051
SC$375.891
SD$377.161
TN$365.671
TX$375.28–$402.438
UT$379.911
VA$383.01–$438.022
VI$394.741
VT$379.451
WA$399.35–$438.932
WI$368.951
WV$380.001
WY$386.881

See 50951 in every payment locality

How the 50951 rate is calculated

Each of 50951’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 · 50951

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work5.68

5.68 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense5.37

5.37 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.72

0.72 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

11.7700

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$393.13

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

The exact North Dakota inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

6,005

Code
50951
Physician work
5.68
Practice expense
5.37
Malpractice
0.72

GPCI2026.csv

84

Locality
North Dakota
Physician work
1.000
Practice expense
1.000
Malpractice
0.406
Office calculation for 50951 in North Dakota
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work5.68× 1.0005.6800
Practice expense5.37× 1.0005.3700
Malpractice0.72× 0.4060.2923
Total RVUs11.3423
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, North Dakota$378.84

Office: (5.68 × 1 + 5.37 × 1 + 0.72 × 0.406) × $33.4009 = $378.84

Facility: (5.68 × 1 + 1.66 × 1 + 0.72 × 0.406) × $33.4009 = $254.93

Open 50951 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 50951

The CMS indicators that decide how 50951 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 50951

Ureteroscopy, diagnostic examination

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)1Bilateral with modifier 50 pays 150% of the fee schedule amount.
Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS)0Not paid without supporting documentation.
Co-surgeons (62)0Not permitted.
Team surgery (66)0Not permitted.
Professional/technical0Physician service: no professional/technical split.

What modifiers do to the payment

Modifier 50 · payment effect

With and without the modifier

50951 without 50 · national office

$393.13

Ureteroscopy, diagnostic examination

50951-50 · Bilateral: 150%

$589.70

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).

When to use modifier 50

How 50951 has changed in North Dakota

50951 · Office / nonfacility

$378.84

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $19.89 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $358.95 to $378.84 (5.5%).

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

    $358.95changed to$378.84

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 5.83 changed to 5.68
    • Practice expense RVU 4.90 changed to 5.37
    • Malpractice RVU 0.71 changed to 0.72
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.517 changed to 0.406

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $365.90changed to$358.95

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 4.79 changed to 4.90
    • Malpractice RVU 0.72 changed to 0.71

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $359.93changed to$365.90

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $366.56changed to$359.93

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 4.66 changed to 4.79
    • Malpractice RVU 0.69 changed to 0.72
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.474 changed to 0.517
  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $371.09changed to$366.56

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 4.60 changed to 4.66
    • Malpractice RVU 0.68 changed to 0.69
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.431 changed to 0.474

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $375.01changed to$371.09

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 4.62 changed to 4.60
    • Malpractice RVU 0.69 changed to 0.68

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $379.13changed to$375.01

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 4.36 changed to 4.62
    • Malpractice RVU 0.65 changed to 0.69
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.485 changed to 0.431

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $382.05changed to$379.13

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 4.42 changed to 4.36
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.540 changed to 0.485

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $381.44changed to$382.05

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Malpractice RVU 0.64 changed to 0.65

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $377.75changed to$381.44

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 4.34 changed to 4.42
    • Malpractice RVU 0.65 changed to 0.64
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.547 changed to 0.540

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $374.52changed to$377.75

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 4.27 changed to 4.34
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.554 changed to 0.547

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $375.35changed to$374.52

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 4.25 changed to 4.27
    • Malpractice RVU 0.66 changed to 0.65

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $373.48changed to$375.35

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $369.31changed to$373.48

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 4.19 changed to 4.25
    • Malpractice RVU 0.54 changed to 0.66
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.536 changed to 0.554

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $359.95changed to$369.31

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 4.46 changed to 4.19
    • Malpractice RVU 0.56 changed to 0.54
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.517 changed to 0.536

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: $359.95

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$378.84$254.93RVU26D
2026-07-01$378.84$254.93RVU26C
2026-04-01$378.84$254.93RVU26B
2026-01-01$378.84$254.93RVU26A
2025-10-01$358.95$283.26RVU25D
2025-07-01$358.95$283.26RVU25C
2025-04-01$358.95$283.26RVU25B
2025-01-01$358.95$283.26RVU25A
2024-10-01$365.90$289.68RVU24D
2024-07-01$365.90$289.68RVU24C
2024-04-01$365.90$289.68RVU24B
2024-03-09$365.90$289.68RVU24AR
2024-01-01$359.93$284.95RVU24A
2023-10-01$366.56$290.65RVU23D
2023-07-01$366.56$290.65RVU23C
2023-04-01$366.56$290.65RVU23B
2023-01-01$366.56$290.65RVU23A
2022-10-01$371.09$293.91RVU22D
2022-07-01$371.09$293.91RVU22C
2022-04-01$371.09$293.91RVU22B
2022-01-01$371.09$293.91RVU22A
2021-10-01$375.01$296.50RVU21D
2021-07-01$375.01$296.50RVU21C
2021-04-01$375.01$296.50RVU21B
2021-01-01$375.01$296.50RVU21A
2020-10-01$379.13$306.59RVU20D
2020-07-01$379.13$306.59RVU20C
2020-04-01$379.13$306.59RVU20B
2020-01-01$379.13$306.59RVU20A
2019-10-01$382.05$309.61RVU19D
2019-07-01$382.05$309.61RVU19C
2019-04-01$382.05$309.61RVU19B
2019-01-01$382.05$309.61RVU19A
2018-10-01$381.44$309.80RVU18D
2018-07-01$381.44$309.80RVU18C
2018-04-01$381.44$309.80RVU18B
2018-01-01$381.44$309.80RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$377.75$308.12RVU17D
2017-07-01$377.75$308.12RVU17C
2017-04-01$377.75$308.12RVU17B
2017-01-01$377.75$308.12RVU17A
2016-10-01$374.52$306.13RVU16D
2016-07-01$374.52$306.13RVU16C
2016-04-01$374.52$306.13RVU16B
2016-01-01$374.52$306.13RVU16A
2015-10-01$375.35$307.43RVU15D
2015-07-01$375.35$307.43RVU15C
2015-04-01$373.48$305.90RVU15B
2015-01-01$373.48$305.90RVU15A
2014-10-01$369.31$303.40RVU14D
2014-07-01$369.31$303.40RVU14C
2014-04-01$369.31$303.40RVU14B
2014-01-01$369.31$303.40RVU14A
2013-10-01$359.95$291.90RVU13D
2013-07-01$359.95$291.90RVU13C
2013-04-01$359.95$291.90RVU13B
2013-01-01$359.95$291.90RVU13AR

Price 50951 for an earlier date of service

Where the North Dakota rate applies

North Dakota is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 406 cities and communities in North Dakota. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • Abercrombie
  • Adams
  • Alamo
  • Alexander
  • Alice
  • Almont
  • Alsen
  • Ambrose

Browse all communities in North Dakota

50951 billing questions

When should this code be used instead of a ureteroscopy code for biopsy?

Use this code for diagnostic inspection, including brushing or washing to collect a specimen. If tissue is obtained by biopsy, choose the code describing ureteroscopy with biopsy.

Can brushing or washing be part of the diagnostic service?

Yes. Collection of cells or fluid by brushing or washing may accompany the diagnostic examination.

Can this code be reported with a ureteroscopy treatment code in the same session?

When therapeutic work is performed, report the code that describes that work rather than separately reporting a diagnostic examination for the same ureteroscopic service. If separate procedures are performed in one session, the CMS multiple-procedure reduction applies.

How should bilateral ureteroscopic examinations be reported?

For a bilateral procedure, use modifier 50; CMS pays the bilateral service at 150%.

What documentation supports this code?

Record the diagnostic indication, the ureter examined, endoscopic findings, and whether brushing or washing was used to collect a specimen.

Can an assistant or co-surgeon be billed?

Assistant-at-surgery payment requires documentation of medical necessity. CMS does not permit co-surgeons or team surgery for this code.

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 50951PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 6,005 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for North DakotaGPCI2026.csv, line 84 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

Did this answer your question about what 50951 pays in North Dakota?

Tell us what you were actually trying to work out. We’ll answer you directly, or build the page that does.

Fee sheets · Coming soon

Put 50951 and the rest of your codes on one sheet

Your codes at your locality, with payer contracts beside Medicare.

Join the waitlist