How To Use CPT Code 47800

CPT 47800 describes the reconstruction and plastic repair of the extrahepatic biliary ducts by connecting the ends. 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 47800?

CPT 47800 can be used to describe the surgical procedure performed to reconstruct and repair the extrahepatic biliary ducts by connecting the ends. This code is used when the provider makes an incision in the right upper abdomen, identifies the two pieces of biliary duct requiring connection, and fastens them together in an end-to-end manner using sutures or other means. The procedure may also involve the placement of a drain to aid in healing, ensuring hemostasis, and closing the abdominal wound in layers.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 47800 is: ‘Reconstruction, plastic, of extrahepatic biliary ducts with end-to-end anastomosis.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the procedure and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the right upper abdomen to access the extrahepatic biliary ducts.
3. The provider identifies the two pieces of biliary duct requiring connection.
4. The ends of the biliary ducts are fastened together in an end-to-end manner using sutures or other means.
5. A drain may be placed to aid in healing.
6. The provider ensures hemostasis and closes the abdominal wound in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 47800 is performed on patients who require reconstruction and repair of the extrahepatic biliary ducts. This procedure is typically indicated for patients with conditions affecting the biliary system, such as strictures, obstructions, or injuries. The provider must perform an end-to-end anastomosis of the biliary ducts to qualify for this code.

5. When to use CPT code 47800

CPT code 47800 should be used when the provider performs the reconstruction and plastic repair of the extrahepatic biliary ducts with an end-to-end anastomosis. This code is appropriate for cases where the provider connects the ends of the biliary ducts using sutures or other means. It should not be used for procedures involving different types of anastomosis or repairs of other structures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 47800, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis necessitating the reconstruction and repair of the extrahepatic biliary ducts
• Description of the procedure performed, including the use of an end-to-end anastomosis
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the incision, identification of the biliary ducts, and the method used to connect the ends
• Placement of a drain, if applicable
• Confirmation of hemostasis and closure of the abdominal wound
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 47800, ensure that the procedure involves the reconstruction and plastic repair of the extrahepatic biliary ducts with an end-to-end anastomosis. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the claim. CPT code 47800 should not be reported with other codes unless additional procedures are performed that are separately reportable.

8. Historical information

CPT 47800 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has not undergone any updates since its addition. However, it is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions to the code in future editions of the CPT manual.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes reconstruction and plastic repair of the extrahepatic biliary ducts with an end-to-end anastomosis to treat a biliary stricture.
2. A provider performs the procedure on a patient with a bile duct injury, connecting the ends of the ducts using sutures.
3. A patient with a biliary obstruction undergoes surgery to reconstruct and repair the extrahepatic biliary ducts with an end-to-end anastomosis.
4. A provider performs the procedure on a patient with a history of gallstones and strictures in the biliary system.
5. A patient with a traumatic injury to the biliary ducts undergoes reconstruction and repair with an end-to-end anastomosis.
6. A provider performs the procedure on a patient with a congenital abnormality affecting the biliary system.
7. A patient with recurrent biliary strictures undergoes reconstruction and repair of the extrahepatic biliary ducts with an end-to-end anastomosis.
8. A provider performs the procedure on a patient with a history of biliary tract infections and obstructions.
9. A patient with a biliary duct injury resulting from a previous surgery undergoes reconstruction and repair with an end-to-end anastomosis.
10. A provider performs the procedure on a patient with a tumor obstructing the biliary system, connecting the ends of the ducts to restore normal bile flow.