How To Use CPT Code 47371

CPT 47371 describes the laparoscopic cryosurgical ablation of one or more liver tumors. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 47371?

CPT 47371 is used to describe the laparoscopic cryosurgical ablation of one or more liver tumors. This procedure involves the use of cryosurgery, a freezing technique, to destroy the tumors present in the liver. The provider uses a laparoscope to perform the procedure, making small incisions in the abdomen to insert the laparoscope, camera, and instruments. The tumors are identified and cryoablated using a cryosurgical probe that circulates liquid nitrogen or argon gas to create extreme cold and destroy the tumors. The incisions are then closed with sutures.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 47371 is: ‘Laparoscopy, surgical, ablation of 1 or more liver tumor(s); cryosurgical. For imaging guidance, use 76940.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope to examine the structures surrounding the liver.
2. The abdomen is insufflated with gas to improve visualization of the site of interest.
3. Additional small incisions are made to insert a camera and instruments for the procedure.
4. The provider identifies the site of the tumor in the liver and performs a biopsy.
5. A cryosurgical probe is placed on the tumor, and liquid nitrogen or argon gas circulates through the probe to create extreme cold and cryoablate the tumor.
6. One or more tumors may be treated during the session.
7. The incisions are closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 47371 is used for laparoscopic cryosurgical ablation of liver tumors. This procedure is performed on patients with one or more liver tumors that require ablation. The provider must use cryosurgery as the technique to destroy the tumors. The procedure is typically performed using a laparoscope, and the tumors may be benign or cancerous.

5. When to use CPT code 47371

CPT code 47371 should be used when a provider performs laparoscopic cryosurgical ablation of one or more liver tumors. This code is appropriate when the procedure involves the use of cryosurgery and is performed laparoscopically. It should not be used for open cryosurgical ablation or laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 47371, the provider must document the following information:

• Diagnosis of one or more liver tumors requiring ablation
• Details of the laparoscopic cryosurgical procedure performed
• Number and location of tumors treated
• Use of cryosurgical probe and circulation of liquid nitrogen or argon gas
• Date of the procedure
• Incisions made and closure method
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 47371, ensure that the procedure performed is laparoscopic cryosurgical ablation of one or more liver tumors. Use the appropriate CPT code for imaging guidance if used during the procedure (76940). It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting other codes related to liver tumor ablation, such as open cryosurgical ablation (47381) or laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (47370).

8. Historical information

CPT 47371 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2002. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a single liver tumor undergoes laparoscopic cryosurgical ablation to destroy the tumor.
2. A provider performs laparoscopic cryosurgical ablation on multiple liver tumors in a patient with metastatic cancer.
3. A laparoscopic procedure is performed to cryoablate a liver tumor in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma.
4. A provider uses cryosurgery to ablate a liver tumor in a patient who is not a candidate for surgical resection.
5. Laparoscopic cryosurgical ablation is performed on a liver tumor in a patient with cirrhosis.
6. A provider performs laparoscopic cryosurgical ablation on a liver tumor in a patient with a history of colorectal cancer.
7. A patient with a benign liver tumor undergoes laparoscopic cryosurgical ablation for symptom relief.
8. Laparoscopic cryosurgical ablation is performed on a liver tumor in a patient with a genetic predisposition to liver cancer.
9. A provider uses cryosurgery to ablate multiple liver tumors in a patient with a history of melanoma.
10. Laparoscopic cryosurgical ablation is performed on a liver tumor in a patient with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.