2025 CPT code 50592
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Urinary System Surgery Feed
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of one or more unilateral renal tumors.
Modifiers 50 (bilateral procedure), 22 (increased procedural service), 59 (distinct procedural service), and others may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the case.Consult current CPT coding guidelines for proper modifier usage.
Medical necessity for percutaneous RFA of renal tumors is generally established when the tumor is small (typically less than 4 cm), located in a suitable location for ablation, and the patient is not a candidate for nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy due to comorbidities or other factors.Payers may have specific criteria regarding tumor size, location, and patient characteristics.
The physician is responsible for the entire procedure, including patient positioning, tumor localization using imaging, needle placement, radiofrequency energy delivery, monitoring the ablation process, and post-procedure care.
- Surgery
- Surgical Procedures on the Urinary System > Lithotripsy and Ablation Procedures on the Kidney
In simple words: This code covers a minimally invasive procedure to remove kidney tumors using heat. A thin needle is guided by imaging to deliver heat energy that destroys the tumor cells. This is done using local anesthesia in an operating room.
This CPT code describes the percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of one or more renal tumors located in a single kidney.The procedure involves using a needle to deliver radiofrequency energy to destroy the tumor tissue.Imaging guidance (e.g., CT scan) is typically used to locate and monitor the ablation process.The procedure is minimally invasive and performed under local anesthesia.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male patient presents with a small, incidentally discovered renal mass (2 cm) in the right kidney.The patient is a candidate for RFA.The physician performs a percutaneous RFA under CT guidance. , A 48-year-old female patient has three small renal masses (1.5 cm, 1 cm, and 0.8 cm) in her left kidney. The physician chooses percutaneous RFA under ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance. Multiple needle placements were necessary to ablate all the tumors. , A 72-year-old male patient presents with two renal masses (2.5 cm and 1.8 cm) in the right kidney.Due to the size and location of the tumors,the patient undergoes percutaneous RFA under CT guidance with real-time imaging monitoring to assure complete ablation.
* Pre-operative imaging studies (CT, MRI, or ultrasound) demonstrating the location and size of the renal mass(es).* Operative report detailing the technique used, needle placements, energy settings, and confirmation of ablation.* Post-operative imaging studies (CT or ultrasound) to confirm complete ablation.* Pathology report if any tissue was obtained.* Anesthesia records.
** This code only encompasses the ablation procedure.Separate codes are required for any additional services like imaging guidance, anesthesia, and other related services. Refer to the current CPT manual and payer guidelines for specific billing instructions.
- Revenue Code: P6C (Minor Procedures - Other)
- RVU: Information not available in provided source.Refer to the most recent CMS relative value units for this CPT code.
- Global Days: Information not available in provided source.The global surgical period will vary depending on payer and other factors. Consult the specific payer's guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: No TC modifier is applicable to this code.This is a complete procedural code.
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in provided source.Refer to historical fee schedules from the relevant payers for this CPT code.
- Specialties:Urology, Radiology (Interventional Radiology)
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient)