CPT code 49082 represents an abdominal paracentesis performed without imaging guidance to remove ascitic fluid for symptom relief or diagnostic sampling. Nationally, this code captures a common bedside procedure used across acute and ambulatory care settings to address pain, respiratory compromise, or to obtain laboratory specimens. Accurate coding for 49082 affects claims processing, clinical documentation, and quality measurement related to procedural care for patients with ascites.

Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will encounter payer-specific coverage context and common modifier usage patterns where available, as well as implications for facility and provider billing across hospital, emergency department, and ambulatory settings.

This publication provides benchmarks and policy-relevant updates tied to procedural coding, clarifies the clinical context in which 49082 is typically used, and outlines typical sites of service. It is intended for clinical coders, billing professionals, and policy analysts seeking a concise national overview of how this CPT code is applied and documented. Data not available in the input is noted where relevant.