© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 47555 involves a biliary endoscopy performed percutaneously through a T-tube or another 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 tract to inspect the bile ducts for any signs of disease or abnormalities. A critical aspect of this procedure is the identification and treatment of biliary duct strictures, which are narrowings that can impede the flow of bile. To address these strictures, a balloon catheter is introduced through a separate channel in the endoscope. The balloon is strategically positioned within the narrowed segment of the duct and inflated for a brief period, which helps to widen the stricture. After inflation, the balloon is deflated, and the narrowed segment is re-evaluated to assess the effectiveness of the dilation. This inflation and deflation process may be repeated multiple times to achieve optimal results. If multiple strictures are present, the procedure can be performed at different sites as needed. It is important to note that in this specific procedure, no stent is placed following the dilation, distinguishing it from similar procedures that may involve stent placement. After the dilation is completed, the endoscope is withdrawn, and the bile ducts are inspected once more for any potential signs of injury or complications resulting from the dilation process.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 47555 is indicated for patients presenting with biliary duct strictures. These strictures may arise from various conditions, including but not limited to the following:
The procedure begins with the insertion of a flexible fiberoptic endoscope through a T-tube or other tract. This allows the physician to visualize the bile ducts directly. Once the endoscope is in place, the bile ducts are thoroughly inspected for any signs of disease or abnormalities. The physician then advances the endoscope to the specific site of the biliary duct stricture. To facilitate the dilation of the stricture, a balloon catheter is introduced through a separate channel in the endoscope. The balloon is carefully positioned within the narrowed segment of the duct. Once in place, the balloon is inflated for a short period, which exerts pressure on the walls of the stricture, helping to widen it. After the inflation, the balloon is deflated, and the physician re-evaluates the narrowed segment to assess the effectiveness of the dilation. This inflation and deflation process may be repeated several times to achieve the desired dilation effect. If multiple strictures are identified during the procedure, the physician can repeat the dilation process at each affected site as necessary. Importantly, throughout this procedure, no stent is placed, which differentiates it from other similar procedures that may involve stent placement. Once the dilation is completed, the endoscope is withdrawn, and the bile ducts are inspected again for any signs of injury or complications resulting from the dilation process.
After the completion of the biliary endoscopy and dilation procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. It is essential to observe for signs of potential injury to the bile ducts or other surrounding structures. Patients may experience some discomfort or mild pain following the procedure, which can usually be managed with standard analgesics. The physician may provide specific post-procedure care instructions, including dietary recommendations and activity restrictions, to ensure proper recovery. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the patient's condition and assess the effectiveness of the dilation. Any further interventions or treatments will be determined based on the patient's recovery and the findings from the procedure.
| Short Descr | BILIARY ENDOSCOPY THRU SKIN | Medium Descr | BILIARY NDSC PRQ T-TUBE W/DIL DUCT W/O STENT | Long Descr | Biliary endoscopy, percutaneous via T-tube or other tract; with dilation of biliary duct stricture(s) without stent | 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 | 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) | P8I - Endoscopy - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 99 - Other OR gastrointestinal therapeutic procedures |
| 22 | Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 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. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.