CPT
43239 — Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy
High-volume procedure with predictable surprise-bill risk.
Surgery & procedures
44950 — Appendectomy
This code covers traditional open surgical removal of the appendix through a conventional incision in the right lower abdomen.
- Typical setting: Hospital OR, ASC
- National avg charge (illustrative): $600-$1,200 Medicare allowed for surgeon professional fee
- Most-disputed reason: Billing 44950 when laparoscopy was completed: if the appendectomy was performed entirely laparoscopically, 44970 is the correct code
What it means
What 44950 actually means
This code covers traditional open surgical removal of the appendix through a conventional incision in the right lower abdomen. Open appendectomy may be used when laparoscopy is not possible — for example, in cases of severe peritonitis, obesity, or when laparoscopic surgery is converted to open. The 90-day global period covers routine post-operative care.
Common errors with this code
What goes wrong on real bills.
Most bills that look correct still contain at least one of these issues. Up to 49% of medical bills contain errors (CFPB).
- Billing 44950 when laparoscopy was completed: if the appendectomy was performed entirely laparoscopically, 44970 is the correct code
- Conversion coding: when a laparoscopic attempt is converted to open, only the open code (44950) should be billed, not both
- Unbundling the incision/closure: separately billing skin incision or wound closure codes that are included in the global surgical fee
If you see 44950 on your bill
Three steps before paying.
1. Get the itemized bill. If your statement only shows a summary, request the CPT-level itemized bill before paying. Generate the request language →
2. Cross-check against the EOB. Compare what your insurer's Explanation of Benefits says you owe versus what the hospital is asking. They disagree more often than people think. Read the bill-vs-EOB guide →
3. Run a free Bill Scan. Upload the bill (and EOB if you have it) and BillBusted will flag the most likely issues with this specific code in your specific state. Run free scan →
Related codes
Other codes in this category.
People who land on 44950 often also see these adjacent codes on the same bill.
CPT
43644 — Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with small intestine reconstruction
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
CPT
45378 — Diagnostic colonoscopy
If your screening colonoscopy turned diagnostic, federal rules limit your cost-share.
CPT
45380 — Colonoscopy, flexible, with biopsy, single or multiple
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
CPT
45385 — Colonoscopy, flexible, with removal of tumor/polyp/lesion by snare technique
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
Related BillBusted guides
Plain-English reads if you see 44950 on a bill.
44950 FAQ
Plain-English answers.
What does 44950 usually cost?
$600-$1,200 Medicare allowed for surgeon professional fee. Costs vary by region, payer contract, and whether the service was performed in a hospital outpatient department (which adds a facility fee) versus a free-standing clinic.
What's the most common billing error on 44950?
Billing 44950 when laparoscopy was completed: if the appendectomy was performed entirely laparoscopically, 44970 is the correct code
What should I do if I see 44950 on my bill?
Request the itemized bill and the matching EOB from your insurer. Compare the units/quantity billed against what you actually received. Run a free BillBusted scan to flag the most likely errors specific to 44950 before paying.
Don't pay 44950 blindly.
The free scan tells you in under 60 seconds whether this charge looks reasonable for your situation.