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Code deleted, to report see 47531-47541

Official Description

Change of percutaneous biliary drainage catheter

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 47525 refers to the procedure known as the change of percutaneous biliary drainage catheter. This procedure is performed to replace an existing biliary drainage catheter that may be malfunctioning or needs to be updated for various clinical reasons. The process begins with the injection of a small amount of contrast media through the existing catheter. This step is crucial as it confirms the catheter's location within the bile duct, ensuring that the subsequent steps are performed accurately. Following this confirmation, a guidewire is carefully passed through the catheter and into the bile duct, which facilitates the removal of the old catheter. Once the old catheter is removed, a new catheter is introduced over the guidewire and positioned appropriately within the bile duct. After the new catheter is in place, the guidewire is removed, and additional contrast media is injected to verify that the new catheter is correctly positioned and that the bile duct remains patent, meaning it is open and unobstructed. It is important to note that the procedure of exchanging the catheter and the associated contrast injection is captured under this code, while any radiographic supervision and interpretation required during the procedure are reported separately.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure coded as CPT® 47525 is indicated for several clinical scenarios where the biliary drainage catheter requires replacement. These indications may include:

  • Malfunctioning Catheter The existing biliary drainage catheter may be obstructed, kinked, or otherwise not functioning properly, necessitating its replacement to ensure effective drainage of bile.
  • Infection or Complications The presence of infection or other complications related to the existing catheter may require a change to prevent further issues and to maintain patient safety.
  • Long-term Management In cases where long-term biliary drainage is required, the catheter may need to be changed periodically to reduce the risk of complications associated with prolonged catheter use.

2. Procedure

The procedure for changing a percutaneous biliary drainage catheter involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure the safe and effective replacement of the catheter. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Contrast Injection Initially, a small amount of contrast media is injected through the existing biliary drainage catheter. This step is essential as it allows the physician to confirm the precise location of the catheter within the bile duct, ensuring that the subsequent steps are performed accurately and safely.
  • Step 2: Guidewire Insertion After confirming the catheter's location, a guidewire is carefully passed through the existing catheter and into the bile duct. The guidewire serves as a guide for the new catheter and is crucial for the successful exchange of the catheter.
  • Step 3: Catheter Removal With the guidewire in place, the existing biliary drainage catheter is then removed. This step must be performed with care to avoid any trauma to the bile duct.
  • Step 4: New Catheter Placement A new biliary drainage catheter is then introduced over the guidewire and positioned appropriately within the bile duct. This ensures that the new catheter is correctly placed to facilitate effective bile drainage.
  • Step 5: Guidewire Removal Once the new catheter is securely in place, the guidewire is removed. This step completes the exchange process.
  • Step 6: Final Contrast Injection To ensure that the new catheter is properly positioned and that the bile duct is patent, additional contrast media is injected following the exchange of the catheter. This final step is critical for confirming the success of the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure coded as CPT® 47525, patients may require monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the new biliary drainage catheter. It is important to observe for any signs of complications, such as infection or obstruction. Patients may also need follow-up imaging studies to ensure that the catheter remains correctly positioned and that the bile duct is functioning properly. Any necessary post-procedure care should be documented, and the patient should be informed about signs and symptoms to watch for that may indicate complications.

Short Descr CHANGE BILE DUCT CATHETER
Medium Descr CHANGE PERCUTANEOUS BILIARY DRAINAGE CATHETER
Long Descr Change of percutaneous biliary drainage catheter
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) 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) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 98 - Other non-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.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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