How To Use CPT Code 47579

CPT 47579 describes a laparoscopic procedure on the biliary tract that does not have a specific code. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 47579?

CPT 47579 is used to report a laparoscopic procedure on the biliary tract when there is no specific code available. This code is used when the provider performs a laparoscopic procedure on the biliary tract that is not represented by any of the standard and active CPT codes.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 47579 is: ‘Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, biliary tract.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs a laparoscopic procedure on the biliary tract using a laparoscope, a tubular instrument with a fiberoptic light source and camera.
2. The laparoscope allows the provider to view and access the abdominal and/or pelvic contents to examine the interior structures of the biliary tract.
3. The procedure involves accessing the system of channels, or tubes, that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder for storage and ultimately draining into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.
4. The biliary tract includes the common bile duct, cystic duct, and hepatic ducts.
5. The laparoscopic procedure allows for a minimally invasive approach, resulting in smaller incisions, reduced pain, and faster recovery for the patient.
6. Since there is no specific code available for this particular laparoscopic procedure on the biliary tract, CPT code 47579 is used to report it.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 47579 is used when the provider performs a laparoscopic procedure on the biliary tract that is not represented by any of the standard and active CPT codes. This code should only be used when there is no specific code available for the procedure being performed.

5. When to use CPT code 47579

CPT code 47579 should be used when the provider performs a laparoscopic procedure on the biliary tract that does not have a specific code available. It is important to note that this code should only be used when there is no other appropriate code that accurately describes the procedure being performed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 47579, the provider must document the following information:

• A detailed description of the laparoscopic procedure performed on the biliary tract
• The reason for choosing the unlisted code instead of a defined, active code
• Comparison to similar codes to justify the claim amount being billed
• Operative notes or other relevant documentation to strengthen the claim and avoid possible denial

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 47579, it is important to follow these guidelines:

• Choose the unlisted procedure code only when there is no specific code available for the laparoscopic procedure on the biliary tract
• Submit a cover letter explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code and include one or more similar codes for comparison
• Include operative notes or other relevant documentation to support the claim and avoid possible denial

8. Historical information

CPT code 47579 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2000. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a laparoscopic procedure on the biliary tract to remove a gallstone that cannot be addressed with a specific code.
2. A patient undergoes a laparoscopic procedure on the biliary tract to repair a bile duct injury, and there is no specific code available for this particular procedure.
3. A provider performs a laparoscopic procedure on the biliary tract to remove a benign tumor that does not have a specific code.
4. A patient undergoes a laparoscopic procedure on the biliary tract to address a complex biliary stricture that cannot be accurately described by any available code.
5. A provider performs a laparoscopic procedure on the biliary tract to address a rare congenital anomaly that does not have a specific code.
6. A patient undergoes a laparoscopic procedure on the biliary tract to treat a complication from a previous surgery, and there is no specific code available for this particular procedure.
7. A provider performs a laparoscopic procedure on the biliary tract to address a complex biliary stone that cannot be accurately described by any available code.
8. A patient undergoes a laparoscopic procedure on the biliary tract to address a rare tumor that does not have a specific code.
9. A provider performs a laparoscopic procedure on the biliary tract to address a complex biliary stricture that cannot be accurately described by any available code.
10. A patient undergoes a laparoscopic procedure on the biliary tract to treat a complication from a previous surgery, and there is no specific code available for this particular procedure.