2025 CPT code 47370
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgical Procedures on the Digestive System - Laparoscopic Procedures on the Liver Surgery Feed
Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of one or more liver tumors.
Modifiers such as 59 (distinct procedural service), 78 (unplanned return to the operating room), and others may be applicable depending on the specifics of the case.
Medical necessity for laparoscopic RFA of liver tumors is typically established when other treatment options are not feasible or are less effective, such as in cases of unresectable tumors.Specific criteria for medical necessity vary among payers and may include factors like tumor size, location, number of lesions, patient's overall health, and presence of comorbidities.
The surgeon is responsible for all aspects of the procedure, including the laparoscopic approach, tumor identification, biopsy (if performed), radiofrequency ablation, and closure of the incisions. Preoperative and postoperative care are also part of the surgeon's clinical responsibility. Anesthesiologist or CRNA provides anesthesia.
- Surgery
- Surgical Procedures on the Digestive System > Surgical Procedures on the Liver > Laparoscopic Procedures on the Liver
In simple words: The doctor uses a small camera and special tools inserted through tiny cuts in the abdomen to destroy liver tumors using heat. This is done laparoscopically, meaning through small incisions, improving visualization and recovery time. A biopsy may be included.
This procedure involves a laparoscopic approach to destroy one or more liver tumors using radiofrequency ablation (RFA).The surgeon makes small incisions, insufflates the abdomen with gas for visualization, inserts a laparoscope and instruments, identifies the tumor(s), and performs RFA.A biopsy may be performed.The incisions are then closed.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male patient presents with multiple small hepatocellular carcinomas detected on CT scan. The surgeon performs a laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of these tumors. , A 50-year-old female patient with a single, large liver metastasis from colon cancer undergoes laparoscopic RFA. A biopsy is taken before RFA to confirm the diagnosis., A 70-year-old patient with multiple liver lesions of unclear origin undergoes laparoscopic RFA. A biopsy is taken from each lesion and sent for pathological examination. Some lesions are not treated because they are not suitable candidates for RFA.
* Preoperative imaging studies showing the location and size of the liver tumors.* Operative report detailing the surgical approach, the number of tumors treated, the use of RFA, biopsy results (if any), and the type of closure.* Pathology report for the biopsy (if performed).* Postoperative imaging study (e.g., CT scan) to assess the treatment efficacy.* Anesthesia record* Informed consent form
** Always refer to the most current CPT codebook and payer guidelines for accurate coding and reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P5E (Ambulatory Procedures - Other)
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided sources.Consult the AMA CPT codebook or your payer's specific fee schedule for the most up-to-date RVU values.
- Global Days: This information is not explicitly available in the provided data.The global period would depend on payer specific rules and should be determined through the payer's guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Information on TC modifiers is not provided.Consult official CPT guidelines.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules vary by payer and location.Historical fee data is not provided.
- Specialties:Surgical Oncology, Hepatobiliary Surgery, Interventional Radiology
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient), Office