How To Use CPT Code 47120

CPT 47120 describes the surgical procedure known as hepatectomy, specifically the resection of a portion of the liver. This article will cover the official description, procedure details, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 47120?

CPT 47120 is used to describe the surgical resection of a portion of the liver, also known as hepatectomy. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider to treat both benign and malignant hepatic neoplasms. It involves the removal of a lobe of the liver to address the specific condition.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 47120 is: ‘Hepatectomy, resection of liver; partial lobectomy.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the procedure, ensuring appropriate anesthesia and prepping the surgical site.
2. An incision is made in the patient’s abdomen to access the liver.
3. The affected part of the liver is freed from connecting tissues.
4. The portal and hepatic vessels associated with the affected lobe are divided and clamped.
5. The provider proceeds to operate at the level of the veins, freeing and clamping the portal structures.
6. Incisions are made in the liver parenchyma, dividing it through pressure or coagulation hemostasis.
7. The portal clamp is removed, and all bleeding is stopped.
8. The abdominal incision is closed using sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 47120 is performed on patients with benign or malignant hepatic neoplasms. The procedure involves the resection of a lobe of the liver to address the specific condition. It is typically performed by a qualified healthcare provider in a surgical setting.

5. When to use CPT code 47120

CPT code 47120 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a hepatectomy, specifically the resection of a portion of the liver. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed for the treatment of a benign or malignant hepatic neoplasm. This code should not be used for other liver resection procedures or for conditions unrelated to the liver.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 47120, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis indicating the presence of a benign or malignant hepatic neoplasm
• Details of the procedure, including the specific lobe of the liver resected
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 47120, ensure that the procedure performed is a hepatectomy involving the resection of a portion of the liver. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements and guidelines set forth by the payer. Additionally, it is crucial to accurately code and report any additional procedures or complications that may have occurred during the hepatectomy.

8. Historical information

CPT 47120 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has undergone no updates since its addition. However, it is worth noting that as of 2017, this procedure is listed under the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs a hepatectomy, resecting a portion of the liver to treat a malignant hepatic neoplasm.
2. A patient undergoes a hepatectomy, with the partial lobectomy of the liver, to address a benign hepatic neoplasm.
3. A healthcare provider performs a hepatectomy, resecting a portion of the liver, to remove a metastatic tumor.
4. A surgical team conducts a hepatectomy, involving the resection of a lobe of the liver, to treat a primary liver cancer.
5. A patient undergoes a hepatectomy, with the partial lobectomy of the liver, to address a hepatocellular carcinoma.
6. A healthcare provider performs a hepatectomy, resecting a portion of the liver, to remove a benign liver tumor.
7. A surgeon conducts a hepatectomy, involving the resection of a lobe of the liver, to address a cholangiocarcinoma.
8. A patient undergoes a hepatectomy, with the partial lobectomy of the liver, to treat a hepatoblastoma.
9. A healthcare provider performs a hepatectomy, resecting a portion of the liver, to remove a liver metastasis from another primary cancer.
10. A surgical team conducts a hepatectomy, involving the resection of a lobe of the liver, to address a hepatocellular adenoma.