2025 CPT code 47000
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Digestive System Feed
Percutaneous needle biopsy of the liver.
Modifiers may be applicable. For example, modifier 22 (Increased Procedural Services) might be used if the procedure was significantly more complex than usual, or modifier 52 (Reduced Services) if the procedure was not completed as planned.Modifier 59 (Distinct Procedural Service) should be used if the procedure is distinct from another performed on the same day.
Medical necessity for a liver biopsy must be established based on the patient's clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and imaging results. The procedure must be performed for a medically valid reason, such as to diagnose or stage liver disease.
The physician preps and anesthetizes the patient, then inserts a hollow needle through the abdomen into the liver. Imaging guidance may be used.The physician instructs the patient to hold their breath during needle insertion and sample withdrawal. Multiple samples may be taken. After the biopsy, the patient is positioned on their right side to minimize bleeding risk.
In simple words: A small sample of liver tissue is removed through the skin using a needle. This procedure helps diagnose and monitor liver conditions.
This code represents a percutaneous needle biopsy of the liver, a procedure where a small tissue sample is removed from the liver using a needle inserted through the skin. This is often done for diagnostic purposes, such as to identify liver disease, assess its severity, or monitor treatment progress.The procedure may be performed with or without imaging guidance (e.g., ultrasound, CT). If imaging guidance is used, it is reported separately.
Example 1: A patient presents with jaundice and elevated liver enzymes. A percutaneous liver biopsy (47000) is performed to determine the cause of the liver dysfunction., A patient with chronic hepatitis C undergoes a percutaneous liver biopsy (47000) to assess the stage of liver fibrosis., A patient with a known liver mass has a percutaneous needle biopsy (47000) to obtain a tissue sample for diagnosis.Ultrasound guidance (76942) is also used and reported separately.
Documentation should include the indication for the biopsy, the technique used, the number of samples taken, any complications, and the post-procedure care instructions.If imaging guidance is used, this must also be documented.The pathology report should also be included.
- Specialties:Hepatology, Gastroenterology, Radiology, General Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Physician's Office