How To Use CPT Code 48547

CPT 48547 describes a surgical procedure that is performed to restore the function of the digestive tract following a traumatic injury to the abdomen with damage to the pancreas. 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 48547?

CPT 48547 can be used to describe a surgical procedure that bypasses the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, by connecting the stomach directly to the jejunum, the second part of the small intestine. This procedure is performed to restore the function of the digestive tract after a traumatic injury to the abdomen with damage to the pancreas.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 48547 is: ‘Duodenal exclusion with gastrojejunostomy for pancreatic injury.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an upper midline incision in the abdomen and dissects down to the area of pancreatic injury.
2. The provider ligates, or seals off, the junction of the stomach and duodenum, typically with staples.
3. A separate incision is made in the stomach, and a fistula, or passageway, is created between the stomach and jejunum by bringing a loop of jejunum up through the incision in the stomach and securing it in place with sutures.
4. The provider irrigates the area, checks for bleeding, removes any instruments, and closes the incision.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 48547 is performed in cases where there is a traumatic injury to the abdomen with damage to the pancreas. The procedure is intended to restore the function of the digestive tract. It is important to note that this procedure is specific to cases involving pancreatic injury and should not be used for other conditions or injuries.

5. When to use CPT code 48547

CPT code 48547 should be used when a provider performs a duodenal exclusion with gastrojejunostomy procedure to restore the function of the digestive tract following a traumatic injury to the abdomen with damage to the pancreas. It is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the official description of CPT code 48547.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 48547, the provider must document the following information:

• Details of the traumatic injury to the abdomen and the resulting damage to the pancreas
• Description of the procedure performed, including the specific steps taken
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 48547, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the official description. This code should not be reported with other codes unless there are additional procedures performed that are separately reportable. It is important to review the specific billing guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate reporting and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 48547 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. There have been no updates or changes to the code 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 sustains a traumatic injury to the abdomen with damage to the pancreas. The provider performs a duodenal exclusion with gastrojejunostomy procedure to restore the function of the digestive tract.
2. Following a car accident, a patient experiences a traumatic injury to the abdomen with damage to the pancreas. The provider performs a duodenal exclusion with gastrojejunostomy procedure to restore the function of the digestive tract.
3. A patient undergoes surgery for a traumatic injury to the abdomen with damage to the pancreas. The provider performs a duodenal exclusion with gastrojejunostomy procedure to restore the function of the digestive tract.
4. After a fall, a patient suffers a traumatic injury to the abdomen with damage to the pancreas. The provider performs a duodenal exclusion with gastrojejunostomy procedure to restore the function of the digestive tract.
5. A patient is involved in a workplace accident resulting in a traumatic injury to the abdomen with damage to the pancreas. The provider performs a duodenal exclusion with gastrojejunostomy procedure to restore the function of the digestive tract.