How To Use CPT Code 47383

CPT 47383 describes the percutaneous cryoablation procedure used to ablate 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 47383?

CPT 47383 is a code used to describe the percutaneous cryoablation procedure performed to ablate one or more liver tumors. This procedure involves the use of extreme cold to freeze and destroy abnormal liver tissues. The provider inserts a cryosurgical probe through the skin directly into the liver at the site of the tumor, using imaging guidance if necessary. The probe freezes the affected liver tissues, which are then allowed to defrost, leading to the destruction of the tumor. This process may be repeated for multiple tumors during a single session.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 47383 is: ‘Ablation, 1 or more liver tumor(s), percutaneous, cryoablation.’ This code specifically refers to the percutaneous cryoablation procedure used to ablate liver tumors. It is important to note that imaging guidance and monitoring may be separately reported using other codes, such as 76940, 77013, or 77022.

3. Procedure

1. Preparation: The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized for the procedure.
2. Insertion of Cryosurgical Probe: The provider inserts a cryosurgical probe through the skin directly into the liver at the site of the tumor. Imaging guidance may be used to ensure accurate placement of the probe.
3. Cryoablation: The provider performs cryosurgical ablation of the tumor by freezing the affected liver tissues using the probe. The freezing process destroys the tumor.
4. Thawing: The provider allows the frozen liver tissues to defrost.
5. Repeat Cycle: The provider may repeat the cycle of freezing and thawing to ensure complete destruction of the tumor. This step may be performed for multiple tumors during a single session.
6. Probe Removal: Once the procedure is complete, the provider removes the cryosurgical probe from the liver.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 47383 is used for patients who require the percutaneous cryoablation procedure to ablate one or more liver tumors. The procedure is typically performed on patients with abnormal liver tissue growth, whether benign or cancerous. It is important to note that this code specifically refers to percutaneous cryoablation, which involves accessing the liver through the skin. Other codes exist for open cryosurgical procedures or other methods of ablation, such as radiofrequency ablation.

5. When to use CPT code 47383

CPT code 47383 should be used when the provider performs percutaneous cryoablation to ablate one or more liver tumors. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed through the skin and that the freezing technique is used. If the provider performs a different type of ablation procedure or accesses the liver through an open approach, other codes should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 47383, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for percutaneous cryoablation
• Details of the procedure, including the number of tumors ablated
• Use of imaging guidance, if applicable
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Progress made during the procedure and any complications encountered
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 47383, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for percutaneous cryoablation of liver tumors. It is important to use the appropriate code for imaging guidance and monitoring, if separately reported. Additionally, be aware of other codes available for different types of ablation procedures or approaches to accessing the liver. It is important to follow any specific guidelines provided by payers regarding the use of CPT code 47383.

8. Historical information

CPT 47383 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2015. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a single liver tumor undergoes percutaneous cryoablation using CPT code 47383.
2. A provider performs percutaneous cryoablation on multiple liver tumors during a single session, using CPT code 47383 for each tumor.
3. A patient with multiple liver tumors undergoes percutaneous cryoablation in separate sessions, with CPT code 47383 reported for each session.
4. A provider performs percutaneous cryoablation on a liver tumor using imaging guidance, separately reported with the appropriate code.
5. A patient with a liver tumor undergoes percutaneous cryoablation, but the provider uses a different ablation technique, requiring the use of a different CPT code.