How To Use CPT Code 47555

CPT 47555 describes a specific procedure involving biliary endoscopy without the placement of a stent. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 47555, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 47555?

CPT 47555 is a code used to describe a biliary endoscopy procedure that involves the dilation of a narrowed portion of the biliary ducts without the placement of a stent. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider using a choledochoscope, a tubular instrument with a light source and camera, to visualize the biliary ducts and widen the narrowed area to prevent blockage.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 47555 is: ‘Biliary endoscopy, percutaneous via T-tube or other tract; with dilation of biliary duct stricture(s) without stent.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider inserts a choledochoscope into a T-tube or percutaneous transhepatic drainage tube in the abdominal wall.
2. Using fluoroscopic guidance and/or cholangiography, the provider visualizes the biliary ducts and identifies the narrowed portion.
3. A balloon catheter is then inserted and inflated to stretch the narrowed area of the duct.
4. After the dilation is complete, the provider removes all instruments and withdraws the choledochoscope.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 47555 is performed on patients with a narrowed portion of the biliary ducts that requires dilation. This procedure is typically done in association with other interventions, such as the placement of a T-tube or percutaneous transhepatic drainage tube. It is important to note that this code specifically excludes the placement of a stent.

5. When to use CPT code 47555

CPT code 47555 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a biliary endoscopy procedure to dilate a narrowed portion of the biliary ducts without the placement of a stent. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 47555, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the procedure and the presence of a narrowed portion of the biliary ducts
• Details of the procedure, including the use of fluoroscopic guidance and/or cholangiography
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Specific instruments used, such as the choledochoscope and balloon catheter
• Any additional interventions performed in association with the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 47555, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the use of this code. Additionally, consider reporting fluoroscopic guidance and/or cholangiography separately if they are performed during the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT code 47555 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a biliary endoscopy procedure to dilate a narrowed portion of the biliary ducts without the placement of a stent in a patient with a history of biliary strictures.
2. During a biliary endoscopy procedure, a healthcare provider uses a choledochoscope to visualize the biliary ducts and dilate a narrowed area in a patient with recurrent biliary obstructions.
3. A patient with a T-tube in place undergoes a biliary endoscopy procedure to widen a narrowed portion of the biliary ducts without the placement of a stent.
4. A healthcare provider performs a biliary endoscopy procedure to dilate a narrowed area of the biliary ducts in a patient with a percutaneous transhepatic drainage tube.
5. During a biliary endoscopy procedure, a healthcare provider uses fluoroscopic guidance to visualize the biliary ducts and dilate a narrowed portion in a patient with a history of biliary strictures.
6. A patient with a T-tube in place undergoes a biliary endoscopy procedure to widen a narrowed area of the biliary ducts without the placement of a stent.
7. A healthcare provider performs a biliary endoscopy procedure to dilate a narrowed portion of the biliary ducts in a patient with a percutaneous transhepatic drainage tube.
8. During a biliary endoscopy procedure, a healthcare provider uses a choledochoscope to visualize the biliary ducts and dilate a narrowed area in a patient with recurrent biliary obstructions.
9. A patient with a T-tube in place undergoes a biliary endoscopy procedure to widen a narrowed portion of the biliary ducts without the placement of a stent.
10. A healthcare provider performs a biliary endoscopy procedure to dilate a narrowed area of the biliary ducts in a patient with a percutaneous transhepatic drainage tube.