2025 CPT code 47564
Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Digestive System Feed
Laparoscopy, surgical; cholecystectomy with exploration of common duct.
Modifiers may be applicable to this code. Modifier 22 (Increased Procedural Services) may be used if the procedure is significantly more complex than usual. Modifier 51 (Multiple Procedures) may be used if other procedures are performed during the same operative session. Consult current CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity for this procedure is established by the presence of symptomatic gallbladder disease, such as cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, or biliary dyskinesia. The exploration of the common bile duct is medically necessary when there is suspicion of choledocholithiasis or other biliary obstruction. Documentation supporting the diagnosis and the need for surgical intervention is essential.
The surgeon is responsible for the entire procedure, from prepping and anesthetizing the patient to closing the incisions. They make the necessary incisions, insert the laparoscope and other instruments, dissect the gallbladder, explore the common bile duct, and ensure proper closure of the surgical site.
In simple words: The doctor removes your gallbladder using a small camera and tools inserted through tiny cuts in your belly. They also check the tube that carries bile from your liver to your intestines for any blockages.
This code describes a procedure where the surgeon removes the gallbladder using a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera and light) inserted through small incisions in the abdomen. The procedure also includes exploration of the common bile duct to check for stones or other blockages. A choledochoscope may be used to visualize the common bile duct and remove any stones found. The cystic duct and artery are clipped and divided, and the gallbladder is dissected from the liver bed.
Example 1: A patient presents with symptomatic cholelithiasis (gallstones) and undergoes laparoscopic cholecystectomy with exploration of the common bile duct to rule out choledocholithiasis (stones in the bile duct)., A patient experiences biliary colic (pain caused by gallstones blocking the bile duct). During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgeon explores the common bile duct and removes a small stone found obstructing the duct., A patient with acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) undergoes laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During the procedure, the surgeon explores the common bile duct using a choledochoscope to ensure there are no stones present.
Documentation should include operative report detailing the laparoscopic approach, cholecystectomy procedure, exploration of the common bile duct (including any findings such as stones or strictures), method of duct exploration (e.g., choledochoscopy), and any procedures performed to remove obstructions. Pre- and postoperative diagnoses should be clearly documented, along with any complications encountered.
- Specialties:General Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Inpatient Hospital, and On Campus-Outpatient Hospital.