How To Use CPT Code 47600

CPT 47600 describes the surgical excision of the gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ responsible for the storage of bile, to treat gallbladder disease. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 47600?

CPT 47600 can be used to describe the surgical removal of the gallbladder, which is performed to treat gallbladder disease. This code is used when the provider makes an incision in the right upper abdomen, dissects the structures surrounding the gallbladder, clips the cystic artery and duct, removes the gallbladder from the liver bed, and closes the incision with sutures in layers.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 47600 is: ‘Surgical excision of the gallbladder.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision in the right upper abdomen.
2. The provider dissects the structures surrounding the gallbladder.
3. The provider clips the cystic artery and duct.
4. The provider removes the gallbladder from the liver bed.
5. The provider irrigates the site and inserts a drain if necessary.
6. The provider checks for bleeding and closes the incision with sutures in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 47600 are those with gallbladder disease that requires surgical removal of the gallbladder. The provider must perform the procedure and document the need for the surgery based on the patient’s condition and symptoms.

5. When to use CPT code 47600

CPT code 47600 should be used when the provider performs a surgical excision of the gallbladder to treat gallbladder disease. It should not be used for other procedures or conditions unrelated to the gallbladder.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 47600, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of gallbladder disease
• Details of the surgical procedure performed
• Incision site and closure method
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the surgery

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 47600, ensure that the procedure is performed by the provider and is documented appropriately. It is important to use the correct CPT code for the specific procedure performed. If the provider begins with a laparoscopic approach and converts to an open procedure, only report the successful open procedure. Modifier 22, Increased procedural services, may be used if the open conversion requires additional work and time. However, check with the payer for confirmation.

8. Historical information

CPT 47600 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was later changed on January 1, 2010, to specify ‘Cholecystectomy.’ In 2017, it was added under the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a surgical excision of the gallbladder for a patient with symptomatic gallstones.
2. A patient undergoes a cholecystectomy to treat chronic inflammation of the gallbladder.
3. A provider removes the gallbladder due to the presence of gallbladder polyps.
4. A patient with biliary colic undergoes a surgical removal of the gallbladder.
5. A provider performs a cholecystectomy for a patient with acute cholecystitis.
6. A patient undergoes a surgical excision of the gallbladder to treat gallbladder cancer.
7. A provider removes the gallbladder for a patient with porcelain gallbladder.
8. A patient with gallbladder sludge undergoes a cholecystectomy.
9. A provider performs a surgical removal of the gallbladder for a patient with gallbladder polyps.
10. A patient with gallbladder dyskinesia undergoes a cholecystectomy.