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The procedure described by CPT® Code 47556 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. The primary objective of this procedure is to inspect the bile ducts for any signs of disease or abnormalities, particularly focusing on areas where strictures, or narrowing of the ducts, may be present. During the procedure, the endoscope is carefully advanced to the site of the stricture, allowing for direct visualization and assessment. A balloon catheter is then introduced through a separate channel in the endoscope, which is specifically designed to treat the stricture. The balloon is positioned within the narrowed segment of the duct and inflated for a brief period, which helps to dilate the stricture. This inflation may be repeated multiple times to achieve optimal dilation. If multiple strictures are identified, the procedure can be performed at each site as necessary. Following the dilation, a collapsed stent is advanced through the endoscope to the stricture site. Once the stent is correctly positioned within the duct, it is deployed, or expanded, to maintain the duct's patency. The physician then examines the bile duct at the stent site to confirm proper placement and may further evaluate the ducts beyond the stricture. After completing the endoscopic examination, the endoscope is withdrawn, and the bile ducts are inspected once more for any potential injury or disease, ensuring comprehensive assessment and treatment of the biliary system.
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The biliary endoscopy procedure described by CPT® Code 47556 is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure involves several key steps to ensure effective treatment of biliary duct strictures:
After the completion of the biliary endoscopy procedure, patients may require monitoring for any potential complications or adverse effects related to the intervention. It is essential to assess the patient for signs of biliary obstruction or infection, as well as to ensure that the stent is functioning correctly. Follow-up imaging or additional evaluations may be necessary to confirm the success of the procedure and to monitor the condition of the bile ducts over time. Patients should be informed about any specific post-procedure care instructions, including dietary modifications or activity restrictions, to promote optimal recovery and prevent complications.
| Short Descr | BILIARY ENDOSCOPY THRU SKIN | Medium Descr | BILIARY NDSC PRQ T-TUBE DILAT STRIX W/STENT | Long Descr | Biliary endoscopy, percutaneous via T-tube or other tract; with dilation of biliary duct stricture(s) with 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 |
| 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). | 52 | Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s). | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician |
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| 1992-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1992. |
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