How To Use CPT Code 47379

CPT 47379 describes an unlisted laparoscopic procedure performed on 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 47379?

CPT 47379 is used to report a laparoscopic procedure on the liver that does not have a specific code. This code is used when the provider performs a laparoscopic procedure on the liver that is not represented by any of the standard and active CPT codes available.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 47379 is: ‘Unlisted laparoscopic procedure, liver.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs a laparoscopic procedure on the liver using several small incisions in the abdomen.
2. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide to provide better exposure.
3. A scope is inserted through one of the incisions to examine the abdomen, while other incisions are used for inserting instruments.
4. Ports are placed to keep the incisions open and are removed at the conclusion of the procedure.
5. The small incisions are closed with staples or sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 47379 is used when there is no specific code available to accurately describe the laparoscopic procedure performed on the liver. It is important to note that CPT guidelines instruct not to choose a code that merely approximates the service provided. Instead, the unlisted procedure code should be used when no specific procedure or service code exists.

5. When to use CPT code 47379

CPT code 47379 should be used when the provider performs a laparoscopic procedure on the liver that does not have a specific code. It is important to ensure that there is no other appropriate code available before reporting an unlisted procedure code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 47379, it is essential to provide thorough documentation. This should include a cover letter explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code instead of a defined, active code. Additionally, include one or more similar codes and compare the service to those codes to justify the claim amount. Operative notes or other relevant documentation should also be included to strengthen the claim and avoid possible denials.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 47379, it is crucial to submit a cover letter explaining the reason for using the unlisted code. Include one or more similar codes and compare the service to those codes to justify the claim amount. Payers will consider claims with unlisted procedure codes on a case-by-case basis and determine payment based on the documentation provided.

8. Historical information

CPT 47379 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a laparoscopic procedure on the liver to remove a benign tumor.
2. A patient undergoes a laparoscopic liver biopsy to diagnose a liver condition.
3. A provider performs a laparoscopic procedure on the liver to repair a liver laceration caused by trauma.
4. A patient undergoes a laparoscopic liver resection to remove a portion of the liver affected by cancer.
5. A provider performs a laparoscopic procedure on the liver to ablate a liver tumor using radiofrequency energy.
6. A patient undergoes a laparoscopic liver transplantation to replace a diseased liver with a healthy donor liver.
7. A provider performs a laparoscopic procedure on the liver to repair a liver hernia.
8. A patient undergoes a laparoscopic liver resection to remove a liver cyst.
9. A provider performs a laparoscopic procedure on the liver to drain an abscess.
10. A patient undergoes a laparoscopic liver biopsy to monitor the progression of a liver disease.