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Official Description

Biliary endoscopy, percutaneous via T-tube or other tract; with biopsy, single or multiple

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 47553 involves a biliary endoscopy performed percutaneously through a T-tube or another type of external biliary drainage tract. This minimally invasive technique utilizes a flexible fiberoptic endoscope, which is a specialized instrument designed to visualize the bile ducts. During the procedure, the endoscope is carefully inserted through the T-tube or drainage tract and advanced into the bile ducts. The primary purpose of this procedure is to inspect the bile ducts for any signs of disease or abnormalities, such as blockages, tumors, or inflammation. In conjunction with the visual inspection, the procedure allows for the collection of tissue samples through biopsy. The biopsy is performed by inserting biopsy forceps through a dedicated channel in the endoscope. Once the target site is identified, the forceps are used to capture tissue samples, which can be single or multiple, depending on the clinical need. These samples are then sent to a laboratory for further analysis, which is reported separately. This procedure is essential for diagnosing various biliary conditions and guiding subsequent treatment options.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The biliary endoscopy procedure described by CPT® Code 47553 is indicated for various clinical scenarios where evaluation of the bile ducts is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Suspected Biliary Obstruction - When there is a clinical suspicion of blockage in the bile ducts, which may be due to gallstones, tumors, or strictures.
  • Abnormal Imaging Findings - If imaging studies, such as ultrasound or CT scans, reveal abnormalities in the biliary system that require further investigation.
  • Cholangiocarcinoma Evaluation - In cases where there is a need to assess for bile duct cancer, this procedure allows for direct visualization and biopsy.
  • Chronic Biliary Symptoms - Patients presenting with persistent symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss may require this procedure for diagnosis.

2. Procedure

The biliary endoscopy procedure using CPT® Code 47553 involves several critical steps to ensure effective evaluation and biopsy of the bile ducts. The following procedural steps are performed:

  • Step 1: Preparation - The patient is positioned appropriately, and sedation may be administered to ensure comfort during the procedure. The area around the T-tube or drainage tract is cleaned and prepared for the insertion of the endoscope.
  • Step 2: Insertion of the Endoscope - A flexible fiberoptic endoscope is carefully inserted through the T-tube or external biliary drainage tract. The endoscope is advanced into the bile ducts, allowing for direct visualization of the internal structures.
  • Step 3: Inspection of Bile Ducts - The physician inspects the bile ducts for any signs of disease, abnormalities, or obstructions. This visual assessment is crucial for identifying potential issues that may require intervention.
  • Step 4: Biopsy Procedure - Once a suspicious area is identified, biopsy forceps are introduced through the biopsy channel of the endoscope. The forceps are maneuvered to the target site, where they are opened to capture a tissue sample. The forceps are then closed to secure the tissue, and the sample is withdrawn through the endoscope.
  • Step 5: Sample Collection - One or more tissue samples may be obtained during the procedure. These samples are carefully collected and prepared for laboratory analysis, which is reported separately.

3. Post-Procedure

After the biliary endoscopy procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications or adverse reactions to sedation. Post-procedure care may include instructions on dietary modifications, pain management, and signs of potential complications such as infection or bleeding. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a short period and to follow up with their healthcare provider for results from the laboratory analysis of the biopsy samples. The expected recovery time can vary based on individual patient factors and the complexity of the procedure.

Short Descr BILIARY ENDOSCOPY THRU SKIN
Medium Descr BILIARY NDSC PRQ T-TUBE W/BX SINGLE/MULTIPLE
Long Descr Biliary endoscopy, percutaneous via T-tube or other tract; with biopsy, single or multiple
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 3 - Special payment adjustment rules for multiple endoscopic 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.
Endoscopic Base Code 47552  Biliary endoscopy, percutaneous via T-tube or other tract; diagnostic, with collection of specimen(s) by brushing and/or washing, when performed (separate procedure)
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P8I - Endoscopy - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 97 - Other gastrointestinal diagnostic procedures
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).
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.)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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
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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