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Code deleted, to report see 47531-47541

Official Description

Introduction of percutaneous transhepatic stent for internal and external biliary drainage

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 47511 refers to the procedure involving the introduction of a percutaneous transhepatic stent for the purpose of internal and external biliary drainage. This procedure is essential for patients who have obstructions in their bile ducts, which can lead to complications such as jaundice or cholangitis. The process begins with the preparation of the skin and making an incision at the designated site, typically located either over the right midaxillary line below the tenth rib for access to the right hepatic lobe or over the epigastrium for access to the left hepatic lobe. A small needle is then inserted through the skin into the bile duct, and contrast media is injected to confirm the needle's correct placement. Following this, a guidewire is introduced into the bile duct, allowing for the insertion of a coaxial exchange catheter. This catheter is used to navigate the bile duct, and any strictures present are dilated. In this procedure, a stent is placed to maintain patency in the bile duct, facilitating the drainage of bile into the small intestine. The stent is designed to have one end within the bile duct and the other exiting through the skin for external drainage. The procedure also includes the injection of additional contrast to verify that the bile duct remains open after the stent placement. It is important to note that the radiographic supervision and interpretation of the procedure are billed separately, ensuring that all aspects of the procedure are accurately documented and reimbursed.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 47511 is indicated for patients experiencing biliary obstruction due to various conditions. The following are the explicitly provided indications for performing this procedure:

  • Biliary Obstruction - This may occur due to strictures, tumors, or other pathological conditions that impede the normal flow of bile.
  • Cholangitis - An infection of the bile duct that can arise from obstruction, necessitating drainage to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
  • Jaundice - A condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, often resulting from bile duct obstruction, which can be alleviated through effective drainage.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 47511 involves several critical steps to ensure successful placement of the biliary stent. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Preparation and Incision - The skin over the intended catheter or stent insertion site is prepped, and an incision is made. This site is typically located over the right midaxillary line below the tenth rib for access to the right hepatic lobe or over the epigastrium for access to the left hepatic lobe.
  • Step 2: Needle Insertion - A small diameter needle is inserted through the skin and into the bile duct. This step is crucial for accessing the bile duct for further intervention.
  • Step 3: Contrast Injection - A small amount of contrast media is injected through the needle to confirm its location within the bile duct, ensuring accurate placement before proceeding.
  • Step 4: Guidewire Placement - A guidewire is passed through the needle into the bile duct, allowing for the subsequent removal of the needle and the introduction of a coaxial exchange catheter.
  • Step 5: Catheter Insertion and Dilation - The coaxial exchange catheter is inserted over the guidewire, and a combination catheter and working guidewire are utilized to probe the bile duct. Any strictures encountered during this step are dilated to facilitate stent placement.
  • Step 6: Stent Placement - For CPT® Code 47511, an internal and external biliary stent is placed. The collapsed stent is advanced to the site of the stricture over the guidewire and is then expanded within the bile duct to open the narrowed portion, allowing for proper drainage of bile into the small intestine.
  • Step 7: External Drainage Setup - A second part of the stent device is positioned to exit the skin, providing a means for external drainage of bile.
  • Step 8: Final Contrast Injection - After the catheter or stent placement, additional contrast is injected to ensure that the bile duct is patent, confirming the success of the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients undergoing the CPT® Code 47511 procedure includes monitoring for any complications such as infection or bleeding at the insertion site. Patients may require follow-up imaging to assess the patency of the stent and ensure that bile is draining effectively. It is also important to provide instructions regarding care of the external drainage site to prevent infection and ensure proper function. Patients should be educated on signs of complications, such as increased pain, fever, or changes in bile output, and advised to seek medical attention if these occur. Regular follow-up appointments may be necessary to evaluate the stent's function and determine if further intervention is required.

Short Descr INSERT BILE DUCT DRAIN
Medium Descr INTRODUCJ PERCUT TRANSHEPATC STENT BILIARY DRG
Long Descr Introduction of percutaneous transhepatic stent for internal and external biliary drainage
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory 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 Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 99 - Other OR gastrointestinal therapeutic procedures
Date
Action
Notes
2016-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, to report see 47531-47541
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
1992-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1992.
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