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CPT code 50953: Ureteroscopy, with ureteral catheterization2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Washington, DC area

Reports ureteroscopic examination through a ureterostomy with ureteral catheterization, including associated irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography when performed.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality23 Medicare services in 2024

In Washington, DC area, Medicare pays $464.58 for 50953 in the office and $311.92 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$464.58Office (non-facility)
$311.92Hospital or facility
+11.4%vs the national office rate ($417.18)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 50953 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 50953 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Washington, DC area
  2. What 50953 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 50953 covers

A urologist passes an endoscope through an existing ureterostomy to examine the ureter and catheterize it. Irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography may accompany the procedure. This approach is distinct from reaching the ureter through the bladder and urethra; it uses the surgically created opening from the ureter to the body surface. It may be performed in a facility setting for evaluation or management of a ureteral problem when this access route is used.

Report the code when the documented service includes ureteroscopy through the ureterostomy and ureteral catheterization; the operative note should identify the access route and services performed. CMS applies endoscopy-family pricing when related endoscopies are performed together, so those services are not necessarily paid as separate full procedures. The 0-day global period includes same-day preoperative and postoperative care. For a bilateral procedure, 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 Washington, DC area compares for 50953

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 50953 runs from $377.87 in Arkansas to $518.92 in Alaska. Washington, DC area pays $464.58. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

50953 in Washington, DC area vs other payment areas
  1. Washington, DC area · this page$464.58
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$451.04−$13.54
  3. Miami, FL · Florida$465.23+$0.65
  4. Chicago, IL · Illinois$453.71−$10.87
  5. Manhattan, NY · New York$476.08+$11.50
  6. Alaska · Alaska$518.92+$54.34
  7. Alabama · Alabama$382.22−$82.36

Other areas in District of Columbia first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

50953 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
ArkansasArkansas$377.87$266.54
ArizonaArizona$407.55$281.97
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$428.76$286.73
Chico, CACalifornia$426.43$284.40
El Centro, CACalifornia$426.56$284.53
Fresno, CACalifornia$426.43$284.40
Hanford, CACalifornia$426.43$284.40
Madera, CACalifornia$426.43$284.40

50953 rates by state

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

MEWIVTNHMTNDMNMINYMARIWAIDWYSDIAILINOHPANJCTORNVUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDECAAZNMKSOKARTNNCSCDCTXLAMSALGAFLAKHI

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.

$377.87

$518.92

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

View every state and territory as a table
50953 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$518.921
AL$382.221
AR$377.871
AZ$407.551
CA$426.43–$510.3529
CO$425.871
CT$441.251
DC$464.581
DE$413.271
FL$422.18–$465.233
GA$401.93–$426.102
GU$431.831
HI$431.831
IA$385.281
ID$388.231
IL$415.67–$453.714
IN$389.891
KS$386.041
KY$394.061
LA$394.44–$409.672
MA$425.03–$459.072
MD$419.30–$464.583
ME$392.16–$405.752
MI$404.22–$428.702
MN$404.051
MO$390.54–$408.203
MS$384.151
MT$417.121
NC$395.051
ND$401.501
NE$386.291
NH$421.591
NJ$445.15–$461.832
NM$406.871
NV$412.961
NY$399.94–$488.315
OH$401.031
OK$391.171
OR$408.59–$434.542
PA$400.31–$433.632
PR$418.851
RI$424.391
SC$398.931
SD$399.661
TN$387.851
TX$398.38–$427.408
UT$403.201
VA$406.22–$464.582
VI$418.851
VT$402.261
WA$423.47–$465.172
WI$391.021
WV$403.921
WY$410.321

See 50953 in every payment locality

How the 50953 rate is calculated

Each of 50953’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 · 50953

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work6.07

6.07 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense5.63

5.63 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.79

0.79 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

12.4900

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$417.18

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

The exact Washington, DC area inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

6,006

Code
50953
Physician work
6.07
Practice expense
5.63
Malpractice
0.79

GPCI2026.csv

39

Locality
Washington, DC area
Physician work
1.054
Practice expense
1.178
Malpractice
1.113
Office calculation for 50953 in Washington, DC area
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work6.07× 1.0546.3978
Practice expense5.63× 1.1786.6321
Malpractice0.79× 1.1130.8793
Total RVUs13.9092
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Washington, DC area$464.58

Office: (6.07 × 1.054 + 5.63 × 1.178 + 0.79 × 1.113) × $33.4009 = $464.58

Facility: (6.07 × 1.054 + 1.75 × 1.178 + 0.79 × 1.113) × $33.4009 = $311.92

Open 50953 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 50953

The CMS indicators that decide how 50953 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 50953

Ureteroscopy, with ureteral catheterization

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global period000Same-day global: pre- and post-op care on the day of the procedure is included.
Multiple procedures3Endoscopy family rules apply.
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

50953 without 50 · national office

$417.18

Ureteroscopy, with ureteral catheterization

50953-50 · Bilateral: 150%

$625.77

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

Codes related to 50953

Related codes aren’t interchangeable: bill the code that matches the service performed.

Codes related to 50953
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, Washington, DC area
Same family
50951Ureteroscopy, diagnostic examinationDiagnostic ureteroscopy through a ureterostomy without the catheterization service described here.$438.02
50955Ureteroscopy, with biopsyUreteroscopy through a ureterostomy that includes biopsy.$494.25
50957Ureteroscopy, endoscopic lesion treatmentRelated ureterostomy endoscopy code for a therapeutic service.$498.80
50961Ureteroscopy, endoscopic treatmentRelated ureterostomy endoscopy code for a therapeutic service.$451.23
Used instead
52351Ureteroscopy, diagnostic examination onlyDiagnostic ureteroscopy using transurethral access rather than a ureterostomy.No office rate
52352Ureteroscopy, stone removal or manipulationTransurethral ureteroscopy with calculus removal rather than ureterostomy access and catheterization.No office rate

How 50953 has changed in Washington, DC area

50953 · Office / nonfacility

$464.58

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $25.06 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $439.52 to $464.58 (5.7%).

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

    $439.52changed to$464.58

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 6.23 changed to 6.07
    • Practice expense RVU 5.13 changed to 5.63
    • Malpractice RVU 0.76 changed to 0.79
    • Work GPCI 1.057 changed to 1.054
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.192 changed to 1.178
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.168 changed to 1.113

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $446.76changed to$439.52

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 5.00 changed to 5.13
    • Malpractice RVU 0.75 changed to 0.76

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $439.46changed to$446.76

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $454.16changed to$439.46

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 4.87 changed to 5.00
    • Malpractice RVU 0.74 changed to 0.75
    • Work GPCI 1.056 changed to 1.057
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.214 changed to 1.192
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.231 changed to 1.168

  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $464.81changed to$454.16

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 4.79 changed to 4.87
    • Malpractice RVU 0.73 changed to 0.74
    • Work GPCI 1.054 changed to 1.056
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.236 changed to 1.214
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.294 changed to 1.231

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $469.06changed to$464.81

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 4.82 changed to 4.79
    • Malpractice RVU 0.71 changed to 0.73

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $469.05changed to$469.06

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 4.56 changed to 4.82
    • Malpractice RVU 0.70 changed to 0.71
    • Work GPCI 1.049 changed to 1.054
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.221 changed to 1.236
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.277 changed to 1.294

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $466.18changed to$469.05

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 4.61 changed to 4.56
    • Malpractice RVU 0.69 changed to 0.70
    • Work GPCI 1.045 changed to 1.049
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.205 changed to 1.221
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.261 changed to 1.277

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $468.75changed to$466.18

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 4.66 changed to 4.61
    • Malpractice RVU 0.71 changed to 0.69

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $460.81changed to$468.75

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 4.52 changed to 4.66
    • Malpractice RVU 0.68 changed to 0.71
    • Work GPCI 1.048 changed to 1.045
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.271 changed to 1.261

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $457.16changed to$460.81

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 4.44 changed to 4.52
    • Work GPCI 1.051 changed to 1.048
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.280 changed to 1.271

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $460.16changed to$457.16

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 4.45 changed to 4.44
    • Malpractice RVU 0.70 changed to 0.68

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $457.87changed to$460.16

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $447.54changed to$457.87

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 4.37 changed to 4.45
    • Malpractice RVU 0.58 changed to 0.70
    • Work GPCI 1.050 changed to 1.051
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.202 changed to 1.205
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.205 changed to 1.280

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $436.56changed to$447.54

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 4.68 changed to 4.37
    • Malpractice RVU 0.61 changed to 0.58
    • Work GPCI 1.049 changed to 1.050
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.198 changed to 1.202
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.130 changed to 1.205

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: $436.56

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$464.58$311.92RVU26D
2026-07-01$464.58$311.92RVU26C
2026-04-01$464.58$311.92RVU26B
2026-01-01$464.58$311.92RVU26A
2025-10-01$439.52$346.21RVU25D
2025-07-01$439.52$346.21RVU25C
2025-04-01$439.52$346.21RVU25B
2025-01-01$439.52$346.21RVU25A
2024-10-01$446.76$353.11RVU24D
2024-07-01$446.76$353.11RVU24C
2024-04-01$446.76$353.11RVU24B
2024-03-09$446.76$353.11RVU24AR
2024-01-01$439.46$347.35RVU24A
2023-10-01$454.16$359.13RVU23D
2023-07-01$454.16$359.13RVU23C
2023-04-01$454.16$359.13RVU23B
2023-01-01$454.16$359.13RVU23A
2022-10-01$464.81$366.43RVU22D
2022-07-01$464.81$366.43RVU22C
2022-04-01$464.81$366.43RVU22B
2022-01-01$464.81$366.43RVU22A
2021-10-01$469.06$369.43RVU21D
2021-07-01$469.06$369.43RVU21C
2021-04-01$469.06$369.43RVU21B
2021-01-01$469.06$369.43RVU21A
2020-10-01$469.05$377.40RVU20D
2020-07-01$469.05$377.40RVU20C
2020-04-01$469.05$377.40RVU20B
2020-01-01$469.05$377.40RVU20A
2019-10-01$466.18$376.29RVU19D
2019-07-01$466.18$376.29RVU19C
2019-04-01$466.18$376.29RVU19B
2019-01-01$466.18$376.29RVU19A
2018-10-01$468.75$378.95RVU18D
2018-07-01$468.75$378.95RVU18C
2018-04-01$468.75$378.95RVU18B
2018-01-01$468.75$378.95RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$460.81$374.32RVU17D
2017-07-01$460.81$374.32RVU17C
2017-04-01$460.81$374.32RVU17B
2017-01-01$460.81$374.32RVU17A
2016-10-01$457.16$371.74RVU16D
2016-07-01$457.16$371.74RVU16C
2016-04-01$457.16$371.74RVU16B
2016-01-01$457.16$371.74RVU16A
2015-10-01$460.16$375.30RVU15D
2015-07-01$460.16$375.30RVU15C
2015-04-01$457.87$373.43RVU15B
2015-01-01$457.87$373.43RVU15A
2014-10-01$447.54$365.73RVU14D
2014-07-01$447.54$365.73RVU14C
2014-04-01$447.54$365.73RVU14B
2014-01-01$447.54$365.73RVU14A
2013-10-01$436.56$367.27RVU13D
2013-07-01$436.56$367.27RVU13C
2013-04-01$436.56$367.27RVU13B
2013-01-01$436.56$367.27RVU13AR

Price 50953 for an earlier date of service

Where the Washington, DC area rate applies

Washington, DC area is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 1 cities and communities in District of Columbia. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • Washington

Browse all communities in District of Columbia

50953 billing questions

How does this differ from diagnostic ureteroscopy code 50951?

This code includes ureteral catheterization along with endoscopic access through a ureterostomy. Use 50951 when the documented service is diagnostic ureteroscopy through that route without the catheterization service.

When should a biopsy code be used instead?

Choose the applicable biopsy code, such as 50955, when the procedure includes taking a ureteral tissue sample. This code describes catheterization with ureteroscopic access, not biopsy.

Can related ureter endoscopies be separately paid when performed together?

CMS applies endoscopy-family pricing when related endoscopies are performed together. The payment treatment follows that family pricing rather than assuming each related endoscopy receives separate full payment.

What should the operative note establish?

Document that the endoscope entered through a ureterostomy, that the ureter was catheterized, and any associated irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography performed.

How is a bilateral procedure reported?

CMS identifies this as a bilateral procedure; modifier 50 is paid at 150%.

Can an assistant surgeon be reported?

Assistant-at-surgery payment is available 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

Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
RVUs for 50953PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 6,006 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for Washington, DC areaGPCI2026.csv, line 39 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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