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Official Description

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)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 47543 involves performing endoluminal biopsies of the biliary tree through a percutaneous approach. This technique is utilized to obtain cell or tissue samples from the lumen of a biliary duct, which is essential for diagnosing conditions affecting the biliary system. Endoluminal biopsy is particularly indicated in cases where imaging studies alone are insufficient to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions, especially in patients presenting with biliary stenosis. The procedure can be performed using various methods, including brush, forceps, or needle techniques, and is typically guided by imaging modalities such as fluoroscopy to ensure accurate placement and sampling. In instances where a percutaneous transhepatic drainage catheter is already in place, the procedure can be conducted through this existing access point, simplifying the process. If no catheter is present, a small-gauge needle is inserted through the skin into the liver under fluoroscopic guidance to establish access to the biliary tree. The procedure is comprehensive, as it includes all necessary imaging guidance, supervision, and interpretation associated with the biopsies, whether they are performed as single or multiple procedures. The code for this service is reported separately in addition to the primary procedure code, reflecting the complexity and the resources utilized during the biopsy process.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The endoluminal biopsy of the biliary tree, as described by CPT® Code 47543, is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Biliary Stenosis - This procedure is often performed in patients with narrowing of the biliary ducts, where imaging alone cannot adequately differentiate between benign and malignant lesions.
  • Uncertain Imaging Results - When imaging studies fail to provide a clear diagnosis, an endoluminal biopsy can help obtain definitive tissue samples for pathological evaluation.

2. Procedure

The procedure for performing an endoluminal biopsy of the biliary tree involves several critical steps:

  • Access Establishment - If a percutaneous transhepatic drainage catheter is already in place, the procedure can be initiated through this catheter. In the absence of an existing catheter, a small-gauge needle is advanced through the skin and into the liver under fluoroscopic guidance to gain access to the biliary tree.
  • Guidewire and Catheter Placement - Once access is established, a guidewire is introduced through the needle, followed by the advancement of a catheter transhepatically over the guidewire. This catheter is maneuvered to the target area within the biliary duct.
  • Cell Sample Collection via Brush Method - To collect cell samples, a flexible brush-tipped probe is introduced through the catheter and advanced beyond the stricture. The sheath is then retracted to expose the brush, which is rotated back and forth across the stricture to collect cellular material. After sampling, the brush is retracted back into the sheath, and both are removed from the biliary duct.
  • Tissue Sample Collection via Needle or Forceps Method - For tissue sampling, a cholangioscope is inserted through the catheter and advanced to the stricture. A flexible needle unit or forceps is then passed through the working channel of the cholangioscope. The needle or forceps are directed into the stricture area to collect tissue samples, either by aspiration into the needle or by grasping and cutting with the forceps. Once adequate samples are obtained, the cholangioscope and sheath are withdrawn.
  • Catheter Replacement - At the conclusion of the procedure, if a percutaneous transhepatic drainage catheter was used, it is typically replaced to ensure continued access to the biliary system.

3. Post-Procedure

After the endoluminal biopsy procedure, patients may require monitoring for any potential complications, such as bleeding or infection at the biopsy site. Recovery may vary depending on the individual patient's condition and the complexity of the procedure performed. Follow-up imaging or additional procedures may be necessary based on the biopsy results and the clinical scenario. It is essential to provide appropriate post-procedure care and instructions to the patient to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Short Descr ENDOLUMINAL BX BILIARY TREE
Medium Descr ENDOLUMINAL BX BILIARY TREE PRQ ANY METH 1/MLT
Long Descr 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)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No 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 Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other
MUE 1

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

47531 MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q2 ASC N1 Injection procedure for cholangiography, percutaneous, complete diagnostic procedure including imaging guidance (eg, ultrasound and/or fluoroscopy) and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation; existing access
47532 MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q2 ASC N1 Injection procedure for cholangiography, percutaneous, complete diagnostic procedure including imaging guidance (eg, ultrasound and/or fluoroscopy) and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation; new access (eg, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram)
47533 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Placement of biliary drainage catheter, percutaneous, including diagnostic cholangiography when performed, imaging guidance (eg, ultrasound and/or fluoroscopy), and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation; external
47534 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Placement of biliary drainage catheter, percutaneous, including diagnostic cholangiography when performed, imaging guidance (eg, ultrasound and/or fluoroscopy), and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation; internal-external
47535 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Conversion of external biliary drainage catheter to internal-external biliary drainage catheter, percutaneous, including diagnostic cholangiography when performed, imaging guidance (eg, fluoroscopy), and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation
47536 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Exchange of biliary drainage catheter (eg, external, internal-external, or conversion of internal-external to external only), percutaneous, including diagnostic cholangiography when performed, imaging guidance (eg, fluoroscopy), and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation
47537 MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q2 ASC G2 Removal of biliary drainage catheter, percutaneous, requiring fluoroscopic guidance (eg, with concurrent indwelling biliary stents), including diagnostic cholangiography when performed, imaging guidance (eg, fluoroscopy), and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation
47538 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 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; existing access
47539 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 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
47540 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 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, with placement of separate biliary drainage catheter (eg, external or internal-external)
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
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.
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.)
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
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
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
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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2017-01-01 Changed Medium description changed and Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2016-01-01 Added Added
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