How To Use CPT Code 48400

CPT 48400 describes the injection procedure for intraoperative pancreatography, which involves the use of a dye for an X-ray study of the pancreatic duct during pancreatic surgery. 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 48400?

CPT 48400 can be used to describe the injection procedure for intraoperative pancreatography. This procedure involves the insertion of a catheter into a biliary duct and the injection of dye to visualize the pancreatic duct during pancreatic surgery. The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that there is no obstruction of pancreatic fluids.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 48400 is: ‘Injection procedure for intraoperative pancreatography (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code is an add-on code and should be reported in addition to the primary code for the pancreatic surgery. It is important to note that radiological supervision and interpretation codes (74300, 74301) should be reported separately for the imaging component of the procedure.

3. Procedure

1. During pancreatic surgery, the provider preps and anesthetizes the patient.
2. The provider inserts a catheter into a biliary duct.
3. The provider injects dye, which travels to the pancreatic duct.
4. Alternatively, the provider may open the duodenum and inject dye directly into the pancreatic duct for a retrograde or reverse flow study.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 48400 is performed during pancreatic surgery to visualize the pancreatic duct. It is typically used when there is a need to ensure that there is no obstruction of pancreatic fluids. The procedure requires the insertion of a catheter into a biliary duct and the injection of dye to visualize the pancreatic duct. It is important to note that this procedure should be reported in addition to the primary code for the pancreatic surgery.

5. When to use CPT code 48400

CPT code 48400 should be used when performing the injection procedure for intraoperative pancreatography during pancreatic surgery. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed in conjunction with the primary code for the pancreatic surgery. Additionally, if imaging guidance is used during the procedure, an appropriate code for imaging guidance should also be reported.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 48400, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the injection procedure for intraoperative pancreatography
• Details of the procedure, including the insertion of the catheter and the injection of dye
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any complications or additional findings during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 48400, ensure that the procedure is performed in conjunction with the primary code for the pancreatic surgery. This code is an add-on code and should not be reported without an appropriate primary code. Additionally, if imaging guidance is used during the procedure, an appropriate code for imaging guidance should also be reported. It is important to follow payer-specific guidelines and documentation requirements when submitting claims for CPT 48400.

8. Historical information

CPT 48400 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. The code has undergone no updates since its addition. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare reimbursement purposes.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs pancreatic surgery and uses CPT 48400 to inject dye for intraoperative pancreatography to ensure there is no obstruction of pancreatic fluids.
2. During a pancreatic surgery, a provider inserts a catheter into a biliary duct and injects dye to visualize the pancreatic duct using CPT 48400.
3. A patient undergoes pancreatic surgery, and the provider performs intraoperative pancreatography by injecting dye into the pancreatic duct using CPT 48400.
4. For a patient undergoing pancreatic surgery, a provider uses CPT 48400 to perform intraoperative pancreatography by injecting dye into the pancreatic duct to ensure proper drainage.
5. During a pancreatic surgery, a provider performs intraoperative pancreatography using CPT 48400 to visualize the pancreatic duct and check for any abnormalities.
6. A provider performs pancreatic surgery and uses CPT 48400 to inject dye into the pancreatic duct for intraoperative pancreatography to assess the patency of the duct.
7. During a pancreatic surgery, a provider performs intraoperative pancreatography by injecting dye into the pancreatic duct using CPT 48400 to evaluate the anatomy and function of the duct.
8. A patient undergoes pancreatic surgery, and the provider uses CPT 48400 to inject dye into the pancreatic duct for intraoperative pancreatography to ensure there are no obstructions or abnormalities.
9. For a patient undergoing pancreatic surgery, a provider performs intraoperative pancreatography using CPT 48400 to visualize the pancreatic duct and assess its integrity.
10. During a pancreatic surgery, a provider uses CPT 48400 to inject dye into the pancreatic duct for intraoperative pancreatography to evaluate the duct’s structure and function.