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Official Description

Revision of transvenous intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(s) (TIPS) (includes venous access, hepatic and portal vein catheterization, portography with hemodynamic evaluation, intrahepatic tract recannulization/dilatation, stent placement and all associated imaging guidance and documentation)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 37183 refers to the procedure known as the revision of transvenous intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(s) (TIPS). This complex interventional radiology procedure is performed to address issues with existing TIPS, which are used to manage portal hypertension by creating a pathway between the portal and hepatic veins. The procedure involves several critical steps, including venous access, catheterization of the hepatic and portal veins, and the use of imaging techniques to guide the intervention. The physician typically gains access through the right internal jugular vein, utilizing fluoroscopic guidance to ensure precision during the catheter placement. Once access is established, contrast material is injected to visualize the portal system, allowing for the evaluation of the shunt's function and the identification of any complications. The procedure may involve recanalization or dilation of the intrahepatic tract, revision of the stent, or even replacement of a malfunctioning stent. Throughout the process, hemodynamic evaluations are conducted to assess the effectiveness of the shunt, and post-procedure venography may be performed to confirm the success of the intervention. This comprehensive approach ensures that the TIPS is functioning optimally, thereby improving patient outcomes in the management of portal hypertension.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The revision of transvenous intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(s) (TIPS) is indicated for patients experiencing complications related to their existing TIPS. These complications may include:

  • Malfunctioning TIPS The shunt may not be functioning properly, leading to inadequate portal pressure relief.
  • Stenosis or occlusion There may be narrowing or blockage of the shunt, which can impede blood flow.
  • Recurrent symptoms of portal hypertension Patients may present with symptoms such as ascites, variceal bleeding, or splenomegaly due to ineffective shunting.

2. Procedure

The procedure for revising a transvenous intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(s) involves several detailed steps:

  • Step 1: Venous Access The physician begins by obtaining venous access, typically through the right internal jugular vein. A needle is inserted to puncture the vein, and a guidewire is introduced under fluoroscopic guidance to facilitate catheter placement.
  • Step 2: Catheterization After establishing access, the needle is exchanged for a vascular introducer, and a catheter is advanced over the guidewire into one of the hepatic veins. This step is crucial for accessing the portal system.
  • Step 3: Portography Contrast material is injected through the catheter to perform portography, which allows for the visualization and evaluation of the portal system. This imaging helps determine the optimal placement of the intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(s).
  • Step 4: Hemodynamic Evaluation Pressure gradients are obtained to assess the hemodynamic status of the shunt and to identify any abnormalities that may require intervention.
  • Step 5: Creating a Path for the Stent A needle is guided through the catheter into the selected portal vein to create a pathway for the stent. A guidewire is then passed into the portal vein, and the needle is removed.
  • Step 6: Dilation of the Tract A balloon-tipped catheter is advanced over the guidewire into the tract between the hepatic and portal veins. The tract is then dilated to facilitate stent placement.
  • Step 7: Stent Placement One or more stents are placed over the balloon-tipped catheter and positioned within the dilated tract. The balloon is inflated to expand the stent(s), ensuring proper placement and function.
  • Step 8: Post-Procedure Evaluation After stent placement, pressure gradients are again obtained to evaluate the effectiveness of the revision. A post-procedure venography may also be performed to confirm the success of the intervention.
  • Step 9: Closure Finally, all guidewires, catheters, and the vascular introducer are removed. Direct pressure is applied to the puncture site to control any bleeding that may occur.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the revision of the transvenous intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(s), patients are monitored for any complications that may arise from the procedure. Expected recovery includes observation for bleeding at the puncture site and assessment of the shunt's function through follow-up imaging and clinical evaluation. Patients may require additional monitoring for symptoms related to portal hypertension to ensure that the revision has effectively addressed the underlying issues. The physician will provide specific post-procedure care instructions, which may include activity restrictions and follow-up appointments to assess the long-term success of the intervention.

Short Descr REVISION TIPS
Medium Descr REVJ TRANSVNS INTRHPTC PORTOSYSTEMIC SHNT (TIPS)
Long Descr Revision of transvenous intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(s) (TIPS) (includes venous access, hepatic and portal vein catheterization, portography with hemodynamic evaluation, intrahepatic tract recannulization/dilatation, stent placement and all associated imaging guidance and documentation)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 56 - Other vascular bypass and shunt, not heart
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AG Primary physician
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2023-01-01 Note Short and medium descriptions changed.
2019-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2003-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2003.
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