CPT
50590 — Lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
OB/GYN
59510 — Routine obstetric care including antepartum care, cesarean delivery, and postpartum care
This global code bundles all prenatal visits, the cesarean section surgery, and postpartum care (through 6 weeks after delivery) into one charge.
- Typical setting: OB/GYN office, hospital labor & delivery
- National avg charge (illustrative): $3,000–$8,000 (physician professional fee only; does not include hospital facility fees, anesthesia, or newborn care — total hospital charges are much higher)
- Most-disputed reason: Separate E/M charges appearing for routine prenatal visits alongside the global cesarean code — routine prenatal visits are included within 59510 and must not be billed separately.
What it means
What 59510 actually means
This global code bundles all prenatal visits, the cesarean section surgery, and postpartum care (through 6 weeks after delivery) into one charge. The global package typically begins at 8-10 weeks of pregnancy and includes the C-section at 39-40 weeks plus routine postpartum visits.
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).
- Separate E/M charges appearing for routine prenatal visits alongside the global cesarean code — routine prenatal visits are included within 59510 and must not be billed separately.
- Additional surgery charges for routine cesarean components (uterine closure, bladder dissection) that are inherent to the procedure — separate billing of these steps constitutes unbundling.
- Being billed 59510 and a separate complication code when complications arose during delivery — unless the complication required a truly separate, distinct procedure beyond the standard cesarean, it should be covered within the global charge.
If you see 59510 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 59510 often also see these adjacent codes on the same bill.
CPT
55250 — Vasectomy, unilateral or bilateral, including postoperative semen examination
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
CPT
57452 — Colposcopy of cervix including upper/adjacent vagina
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
CPT
58150 — Total abdominal hysterectomy , with/without tubes/ovaries
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
CPT
58571 — Laparoscopic total hysterectomy, uterus 250g or less, with/without tubes/ovaries
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
Related BillBusted guides
Plain-English reads if you see 59510 on a bill.
59510 FAQ
Plain-English answers.
What does 59510 usually cost?
$3,000–$8,000 (physician professional fee only; does not include hospital facility fees, anesthesia, or newborn care — total hospital charges are much higher). 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 59510?
Separate E/M charges appearing for routine prenatal visits alongside the global cesarean code — routine prenatal visits are included within 59510 and must not be billed separately.
What should I do if I see 59510 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 59510 before paying.
Don't pay 59510 blindly.
The free scan tells you in under 60 seconds whether this charge looks reasonable for your situation.