2025 CPT code 47371
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgical Procedures - Laparoscopic Procedures on the Liver Surgery Feed
Laparoscopic cryosurgical ablation of one or more liver tumors.
Modifiers 22 (increased procedural services), 51 (multiple procedures), 59 (distinct procedural service), and others may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure. Consult your payer's guidelines and local coding practices.
Cryoablation is medically necessary for the treatment of primary or metastatic liver tumors when other treatments (such as surgery or other ablative techniques) are not feasible or appropriate.Factors considered include the size, location, and number of tumors; the patient's overall health; and the presence of comorbidities.
The surgeon is responsible for performing the laparoscopic procedure, including making incisions, inserting the laparoscope and instruments, identifying and ablating the tumor(s), and closing the incisions.Anesthesiologists or CRNAs would provide anesthesia, and other medical professionals may assist as needed.
In simple words: This surgery uses a laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube) and freezing to remove liver tumors.The surgeon makes small incisions, inserts the laparoscope and instruments, freezes the tumors, and closes the incisions.
This procedure involves the laparoscopic destruction of one or more liver tumors using cryosurgery.A laparoscope is inserted through a small incision (often in the umbilicus or right upper abdomen), and the abdominal cavity is insufflated to improve visualization.Additional small incisions are made to allow for insertion of instruments. The surgeon identifies the tumor(s), potentially performs a biopsy, and then applies a cryosurgical probe to freeze and destroy the cancerous tissue using liquid nitrogen or argon gas.The incisions are then closed.
Example 1: A patient with a single, small, non-resectable liver tumor is a candidate for laparoscopic cryosurgical ablation. The procedure is performed, and the tumor is successfully ablated., A patient with multiple small liver metastases from colon cancer is treated with laparoscopic cryosurgical ablation targeting the most accessible lesions. This is part of a multimodal treatment plan that includes systemic chemotherapy., A patient with a large liver tumor underwent partial hepatectomy.During surgery, a small area of residual tumor was identified and treated with laparoscopic cryosurgical ablation.
* Preoperative diagnosis and assessment including imaging (CT, MRI, etc.) clearly showing the location and size of the tumor(s).* Operative report detailing the procedure, including number and size of tumors ablated, and any complications.* Pathology report if a biopsy was performed.* Postoperative course notes.* Evidence of medical necessity (e.g., documentation of why the patient is not a candidate for other treatments).
** Accurate coding and documentation are paramount for appropriate reimbursement.This information is for guidance only. Consult your payer's guidelines and local coding experts for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Always confirm with your payer's specific policies regarding payment, as they may vary.
- Revenue Code: P5E (Ambulatory Procedures - Other)
- RVU: This information varies by payer and location.Consult your specific payer's fee schedule.
- Global Days: The global period for this procedure needs to be determined by referring to the specific payer's guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active; however, payment is dependent upon medical necessity and payer policies.Some payers may consider this incidental to another procedure.
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component modifier may be necessary depending on who performed the procedure (surgeon vs. assistant surgeon) and the payer's guidelines.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule data varies greatly depending on location, payer, and year. It's recommended to consult historical fee schedules from specific payers.
- Specialties:Surgical Oncology, Hepatology, Gastroenterology
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient)