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Official Description

Placement of drains, peripancreatic, for acute pancreatitis;

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 48000 refers to the procedure of placing drains in the peripancreatic area for the management of acute pancreatitis. This procedure is essential for alleviating complications associated with fluid collections that can occur in the abdominal cavity due to inflammation of the pancreas. During the procedure, a small stab wound is made in the abdomen, specifically over the area where the fluid collection is located. A catheter is then inserted into this fluid collection using a guidewire, which aids in the accurate placement of the catheter. Once the catheter is positioned correctly, it is secured in place to ensure that it remains effective in draining the fluid. The catheter is typically left in place until the condition of pancreatitis improves and the fluid collection resolves. It is important to note that multiple drains may be placed if necessary, depending on the extent of the fluid accumulation and the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider. This procedure is a critical intervention in the management of acute pancreatitis, as it helps to prevent further complications and supports the patient's recovery process.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The placement of peripancreatic drains, as described by CPT® Code 48000, is indicated for the management of acute pancreatitis, particularly in cases where there is a significant accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Acute Pancreatitis - A sudden inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to fluid collections.
  • Fluid Collections - Presence of fluid around the pancreas that may require drainage to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
  • Complications of Pancreatitis - Situations such as pseudocysts or abscesses that develop as a result of the inflammatory process.

2. Procedure

The procedure for placing peripancreatic drains involves several critical steps to ensure effective drainage of fluid collections. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Preparation - The patient is positioned appropriately, and the area over the fluid collection is identified, typically through imaging guidance. Sterile techniques are employed to minimize the risk of infection.
  • Step 2: Incision - A small stab wound is made in the abdominal wall directly over the site of the fluid collection. This incision is minimal to reduce trauma to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 3: Catheter Insertion - A catheter is inserted into the fluid collection using a guidewire. The guidewire facilitates the accurate placement of the catheter into the desired location.
  • Step 4: Securing the Catheter - Once the catheter is properly positioned within the fluid collection, it is secured to the skin to prevent dislodgment. This ensures continuous drainage of the fluid.
  • Step 5: Monitoring - The catheter is left in place for a duration determined by the clinical team, typically until the pancreatitis subsides and the fluid collection resolves. Regular monitoring of the drainage output and the patient's condition is essential during this period.

3. Post-Procedure

After the placement of peripancreatic drains, patients are monitored closely for any signs of complications, such as infection or bleeding. The catheter remains in place until the patient's condition improves, and the fluid collection diminishes. Follow-up imaging may be necessary to assess the resolution of the fluid collection. Patients may require supportive care, including pain management and hydration, as they recover from acute pancreatitis. Once the pancreatitis has resolved, the catheter can be removed, and the site of insertion is typically monitored for proper healing.

Short Descr DRAINAGE OF ABDOMEN
Medium Descr PLACE DRAIN PERIPANCREATIC ACUTE PANCREATITIS
Long Descr Placement of drains, peripancreatic, for acute pancreatitis;
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
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) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - 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).
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.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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).
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
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Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Medium description changed.
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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