2025 CPT code 47555
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Digestive System Surgery Feed
Biliary endoscopy, percutaneous via T-tube or other tract; with dilation of biliary duct stricture(s) without stent placement.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the service and any additional procedures performed.Consult the CPT manual for detailed information on modifier usage.
Medical necessity for this procedure is established by the presence of a biliary duct stricture causing clinical symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, or elevated bilirubin levels. The procedure is indicated when conservative measures have failed or are not feasible.Documentation supporting the medical necessity must be thorough and include objective findings to justify the procedure.
The physician is responsible for preparing the patient, administering anesthesia (if needed), inserting and maneuvering the choledochoscope, performing cholangiography (if necessary), dilating the stricture, and removing all instruments.The physician should also interpret the imaging studies and ensure appropriate post-procedure care.
In simple words: A thin, flexible tube with a camera and light is inserted into the bile ducts through an existing tube in the abdomen.The doctor uses this to widen any narrowed areas in the bile ducts to help bile flow better.No permanent tubes are left behind.
This procedure involves the use of a biliary endoscope (choledochoscope) inserted percutaneously through a pre-existing T-tube or other tract into the biliary ducts.The endoscope allows visualization of the biliary ducts.The procedure includes dilation of biliary duct stricture(s) using a balloon catheter to widen the narrowed area and improve bile flow.A stent is not placed during this procedure. Fluoroscopic guidance or cholangiography may be utilized.The procedure concludes with removal of all instruments and the endoscope.
Example 1: A patient presents with symptoms of biliary obstruction following cholecystectomy.A T-tube was placed during the initial surgery.The physician performs a percutaneous biliary endoscopy via the T-tube to dilate a stricture in the common bile duct, relieving the obstruction., A patient with a history of pancreatic cancer has undergone percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage.The physician uses percutaneous biliary endoscopy to dilate a stricture in the hepatic duct, improving drainage and reducing jaundice., A patient with recurrent biliary stones after endoscopic sphincterotomy develops a stricture of the common bile duct.Percutaneous biliary endoscopy is used to dilate the stricture, restoring bile flow.A stent is not required.
Complete medical history, physical examination findings, imaging studies (e.g., pre- and post-procedure cholangiography, ultrasound, CT scan), operative report documenting the procedure, including type of endoscope used, location and size of stricture, dilation technique, and post-procedure findings.Documentation of any complications.
** This code describes a specific type of biliary endoscopy that does not include stent placement.Always verify the procedure performed accurately reflects this.Careful documentation is necessary to ensure accurate coding and reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P8I (ENDOSCOPY - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The Technical Component (TC) modifier may be applicable depending on the individual practice's billing arrangements and payer guidelines.
- Specialties:Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Surgical Oncology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center