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Official Description

Placement of stent(s) into a bile duct, percutaneous, including diagnostic cholangiography, imaging guidance (eg, fluoroscopy and/or ultrasound), balloon dilation, catheter exchange(s) and catheter removal(s) when performed, and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation; new access, without placement of separate biliary drainage catheter

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Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 47539 refers to the procedure of placing stent(s) into a bile duct through a percutaneous approach. This procedure is essential for managing blockages in the bile duct, which can impede the flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine. The placement of a stent helps to keep the narrowed area of the bile duct open, facilitating the normal flow of bile and preventing complications associated with bile duct obstruction. The procedure includes several critical components: diagnostic cholangiography, which involves imaging the bile ducts to assess the blockage; imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, to ensure accurate placement of the stent; and various technical steps like balloon dilation, catheter exchanges, and catheter removals when necessary. Notably, this code specifies that the procedure is performed through a newly created access point, without the placement of a separate biliary drainage catheter. This distinction is important for accurate coding and billing, as it differentiates this procedure from others that may involve existing access points or additional drainage devices.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 47539 is indicated for patients experiencing bile duct obstruction due to various conditions. These may include:

  • Malignant tumors that cause compression or invasion of the bile duct, leading to obstruction.
  • Benign strictures resulting from previous surgeries, trauma, or inflammatory conditions that narrow the bile duct.
  • Cholelithiasis (gallstones) that migrate into the bile duct and cause blockage.
  • Pancreatitis that may lead to swelling or scarring of the bile duct.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 47539 involves several detailed steps to ensure successful placement of the stent(s) into the bile duct:

  • Preparation and Access - The skin over the insertion site is prepared, typically 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. An incision is made to facilitate access to the liver.
  • Needle Insertion - A long, thin, flexible needle is inserted through the skin and advanced into the liver, targeting the bile duct. If the procedure is being performed through an existing access, such as a transhepatic drainage catheter or T-tube, the needle is directed accordingly.
  • Contrast Injection - A small amount of contrast medium is injected through the needle to confirm its location within the bile duct. This step is crucial for visualizing the bile duct anatomy.
  • Guidewire Placement - A guidewire is passed through the needle into the bile duct, and the needle is subsequently removed, leaving the guidewire in place for further procedures.
  • Cholangiography - An angiography catheter is then passed over the guidewire into the bile duct. Dye is injected to visualize the bile ducts on X-ray, allowing for assessment of the obstruction.
  • Balloon Dilation - A balloon catheter is inserted over the guidewire to the site of the stricture. The balloon is inflated to dilate the narrowed portion of the duct, which helps to prepare the area for stent placement.
  • Stent Placement - The stent(s) is advanced to the site of the stricture over the guidewire and positioned within the bile duct. This stent will maintain the duct's patency, allowing bile to flow freely into the small intestine.
  • Post-Placement Imaging - After the stent(s) is placed, additional contrast may be injected to ensure the bile duct remains patent and that the stent is functioning as intended.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the procedure, patients may require monitoring for any complications, such as infection or bleeding. The expected recovery involves observation for signs of bile duct patency and the effectiveness of the stent. Patients may also need follow-up imaging to assess the stent's position and function. Instructions regarding care at the insertion site and any necessary lifestyle modifications will be provided to ensure optimal recovery and management of the underlying condition.

Short Descr PERQ PLMT BILE DUCT STENT
Medium Descr PLMT BILE DUCT STENT PRQ NEW ACCESS W/O SEP CATH
Long Descr Placement of stent(s) into a bile duct, percutaneous, including diagnostic cholangiography, imaging guidance (eg, fluoroscopy and/or ultrasound), balloon dilation, catheter exchange(s) and catheter removal(s) when performed, and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation; new access, without placement of separate 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) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other
MUE 2

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

47543 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Endoluminal biopsy(ies) of biliary tree, percutaneous, any method(s) (eg, brush, forceps, and/or needle), including imaging guidance (eg, fluoroscopy), and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation, single or multiple (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
47544 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Removal of calculi/debris from biliary duct(s) and/or gallbladder, percutaneous, including destruction of calculi by any method (eg, mechanical, electrohydraulic, lithotripsy) when performed, imaging guidance (eg, fluoroscopy), and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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).
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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2017-01-01 Changed Long description changed and Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2016-01-01 Added Added
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