How To Use CPT Code 47399

CPT 47399 describes a procedure performed on the liver that does not have a specific code. 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 47399?

CPT 47399 is used to report procedures performed on the liver that do not have a specific code available. It is used when there is no other appropriate CPT code that accurately represents the service provided by the healthcare provider.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 47399 is not available. However, it is important to note that CPT guidelines state that an unlisted procedure code should only be used when there is no specific procedure or service code that accurately represents the service provided.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider performs a procedure on the liver that does not have a specific code available.
2. The procedure may involve various techniques and approaches, depending on the specific needs of the patient and the condition being treated.
3. The healthcare provider carefully documents the details of the procedure, including the specific techniques used, any complications encountered, and any additional services provided.
4. The operative notes or other relevant documentation should be included when submitting a claim with CPT code 47399 to support the necessity and appropriateness of the procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 47399 is used when the healthcare provider performs a procedure on the liver that does not have a specific code available. This may occur when the procedure is new or innovative, or when there is no established code for a particular technique or approach. The healthcare provider must carefully document the details of the procedure and provide supporting documentation to justify the use of CPT code 47399.

5. When to use CPT code 47399

CPT code 47399 should be used when there is no other appropriate CPT code available to accurately represent the procedure performed on the liver. It is important to note that CPT guidelines instruct healthcare providers not to choose a code that merely approximates the service provided. Instead, the unlisted procedure code should be used when there is no specific procedure or service code that accurately represents the service provided.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 47399, the healthcare provider must include the following documentation:

• A cover letter explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code instead of a defined, active code
• Comparison to one or more similar codes to justify the claim amount
• Operative notes or other relevant documentation to strengthen the claim and avoid a possible denial

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 47399, it is important to follow these guidelines:

• Submit a cover letter explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code instead of a defined, active code
• Include one or more similar codes and compare the service to those codes to justify the claim amount
• Include the operative notes or other relevant documentation to strengthen the claim and avoid a possible denial

8. Historical information

CPT code 47399 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a novel procedure on the liver to treat a rare condition.
2. A surgeon uses an innovative technique to remove a tumor from the liver.
3. A gastroenterologist performs a complex procedure to address a liver-related issue.
4. An interventional radiologist uses a specialized approach to treat a liver abscess.
5. A hepatologist performs a unique procedure to manage a liver disease.
6. A transplant surgeon performs a complex liver transplant procedure.
7. An oncologist uses an innovative technique to deliver targeted therapy to the liver.
8. A hepatobiliary surgeon performs a specialized procedure to address a liver-related issue.
9. An interventional radiologist performs a minimally invasive procedure to treat a liver tumor.
10. A gastroenterologist performs a procedure to address a liver-related complication.