How To Use CPT Code 47380

CPT 47380 describes the open ablation of one or more liver tumors using radiofrequency. 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 47380?

CPT 47380 can be used to describe the open ablation procedure performed by a provider to treat one or more liver tumors using radiofrequency. This code is specifically for cases where an open approach is used, as opposed to laparoscopic or cryosurgical methods.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 47380 is: ‘Ablation, open, of 1 or more liver tumor(s); radiofrequency.’ This code does not require any additional notes or modifiers.

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the provider makes an incision in the upper abdomen to access the liver.
2. They then locate the exact site of the tumor by dissecting the surrounding structures.
3. A biopsy of the affected tissues may be performed and sent to pathology for further analysis.
4. The provider introduces a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) probe into the tumor.
5. Electrical energy is applied through the probe, causing the tissue to heat up and destroy the tumor.
6. Multiple tumors can be treated during the same session.
7. After the ablation, the provider checks for any bleeding and closes the incision in the abdomen with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 47380 is used for patients who require open ablation of one or more liver tumors using radiofrequency. The procedure is typically performed on patients with liver tumors, whether benign or cancerous. It is important to note that this code specifically applies to open procedures, and different codes should be used for laparoscopic or cryosurgical methods.

5. When to use CPT code 47380

CPT code 47380 should be used when the provider performs an open ablation procedure on one or more liver tumors using radiofrequency. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed using an open approach and not laparoscopic or cryosurgical methods, as different codes apply in those cases.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 47380, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for liver tumor ablation
• Details of the procedure, including the use of radiofrequency and the number of tumors treated
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or interventions performed during the same session
• Any complications or adverse events encountered
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 47380, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for an open ablation of one or more liver tumors using radiofrequency. It is important to use the appropriate code based on the specific method used (open, laparoscopic, or cryosurgical). Additionally, if radiological guidance was used during the procedure, it should be reported separately using the appropriate code.

8. Historical information

CPT 47380 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. However, it is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions that may occur in the future.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs an open ablation procedure on a patient with a single liver tumor using radiofrequency.
2. A gastroenterologist treats multiple liver tumors in a patient using open ablation with radiofrequency.
3. An oncologist performs an open ablation procedure on a patient with liver metastases using radiofrequency.
4. A hepatologist treats a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma using open ablation of liver tumors with radiofrequency.
5. A surgical team performs an open ablation procedure on a patient with multiple liver tumors using radiofrequency.
6. A radiologist assists in an open ablation procedure on a patient with liver tumors using radiofrequency guidance.
7. A hepatobiliary surgeon performs an open ablation procedure on a patient with liver tumors using radiofrequency.
8. A multidisciplinary team performs an open ablation procedure on a patient with liver tumors using radiofrequency.
9. An interventional radiologist performs an open ablation procedure on a patient with liver tumors using radiofrequency.
10. A hepatobiliary oncologist performs an open ablation procedure on a patient with liver tumors using radiofrequency.