How To Use CPT Code 47570

CPT 47570 describes a laparoscopic surgical procedure known as cholecystoenterostomy. 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 47570?

CPT 47570 is a code used to describe a laparoscopic surgical procedure called cholecystoenterostomy. This procedure involves connecting the gallbladder directly to the small intestine to allow for the drainage of bile when there is an obstruction in the common bile duct that cannot be resolved. The surgeon uses a laparoscope, which is a tubular instrument with a light source and camera, to perform the procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 47570 is: ‘Laparoscopy, surgical; cholecystoenterostomy.’

3. Procedure

1. The surgeon begins by making a small incision in the umbilicus and filling the abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide.
2. Additional small incisions may be made to allow access for instrumentation.
3. A laparoscope, along with ports or tubes, is inserted through the incisions to assess the gallbladder and small intestine for any abnormalities.
4. The surgeon creates an anastomosis, or connection, between the gallbladder and the proximal part of the small intestine using staples and sutures.
5. The surgical area is irrigated, and the carbon dioxide is released.
6. All instruments, including the laparoscope and ports, are removed.
7. The surgeon checks for bleeding and closes the incisions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 47570 is performed when there is a blocked common bile duct that cannot be resolved. It is important to note that this procedure is typically performed laparoscopically. If the procedure is performed as an open procedure instead of through a laparoscope, a different CPT code should be used.

5. When to use CPT code 47570

CPT code 47570 should be used when a laparoscopic cholecystoenterostomy is performed. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed using a laparoscope and that the gallbladder is connected to the small intestine to allow for the drainage of bile in the presence of a blocked common duct.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 47570, the surgeon must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for a cholecystoenterostomy
• Details of the laparoscopic procedure performed, including the specific steps taken
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Any additional procedures performed during the same operative session
• Signature of the surgeon performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 47570, it is important to ensure that the procedure is performed laparoscopically. If the procedure is performed as an open procedure, a different CPT code should be used. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer. Additionally, consider any modifiers that may be required to accurately report the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 47570 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2000. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performing a laparoscopic cholecystoenterostomy to connect the gallbladder to the small intestine in a patient with a blocked common bile duct.
2. Another example of a surgeon performing a laparoscopic cholecystoenterostomy to allow for the drainage of bile in a patient with an unresolved obstruction in the common bile duct.
3. Provide eight more examples of cases in which CPT code 47570 should be billed. Only explain the examples and make them all original. Do not include ‘CPT 47570” or ‘CPT code 47570” in the text of an example.