How To Use CPT Code 47360

CPT 47360 describes the management of liver hemorrhage through complex suture of liver wound or injury, with or without hepatic artery ligation. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 47360?

CPT 47360 can be used to describe the management of liver hemorrhage by a healthcare provider. This code is used when the provider performs complex repair procedures to control bleeding in the liver that does not respond to simple repair methods.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 47360 is: ‘Management of liver hemorrhage; complex suture of liver wound or injury, with or without hepatic artery ligation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision in the upper abdomen on the right side.
2. Pressure is applied to the affected liver site to control bleeding.
3. Vessels, including the hepatic artery if necessary, are ligated to stop the bleeding.
4. Complex repair techniques are used to manage the hemorrhage.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 47360 is used when a patient has liver hemorrhage that requires complex repair procedures. The provider must perform the procedure to control extensive bleeding that does not respond to simple repair methods.

5. When to use CPT code 47360

CPT code 47360 should be used when a healthcare provider performs complex suture of liver wound or injury to manage liver hemorrhage. It is appropriate when the bleeding cannot be controlled through simple repair methods.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 47360, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of liver hemorrhage
• Details of the complex repair procedures performed
• Any additional procedures, such as hepatic artery ligation
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Progress made in managing the hemorrhage
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 47360, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for complex suture of liver wound or injury. It is important to document the need for complex repair procedures and the inability to control bleeding through simple methods. Review all codes within the range of 47300-47362 to ensure accurate coding.

8. Historical information

CPT 47360 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs complex suture of a liver wound to control extensive bleeding in a patient with liver hemorrhage.
2. A gastroenterologist performs complex repair procedures to manage liver hemorrhage in a patient with liver injury.
3. A hepatologist performs complex suture of a liver wound and ligates the hepatic artery to control bleeding in a patient with liver hemorrhage.
4. A trauma surgeon performs complex repair techniques to manage liver hemorrhage in a patient with multiple liver injuries.
5. A general surgeon performs complex suture of a liver wound and packs the liver to control bleeding in a patient with liver hemorrhage.
6. An interventional radiologist performs complex repair procedures to manage liver hemorrhage in a patient with liver tumor rupture.
7. A hepatobiliary surgeon performs complex suture of a liver wound and ligates the hepatic artery to control bleeding in a patient with liver trauma.
8. A transplant surgeon performs complex repair techniques to manage liver hemorrhage in a patient after liver transplantation.
9. An oncology surgeon performs complex suture of a liver wound and packs the liver to control bleeding in a patient with liver metastases.
10. A vascular surgeon performs complex repair procedures to manage liver hemorrhage in a patient with liver vascular malformation.