2025 CPT code 47550

Biliary endoscopy, intraoperative (choledochoscopy).

Code 47550 is an add-on code and should not be reported alone. It must be reported in addition to the primary procedure code.If other procedures are performed through the choledochoscope (e.g., stone removal), those procedures should be coded separately.

Modifiers may be applicable to 47550 to indicate specific circumstances, such as reduced services (modifier 52) or a discontinued procedure (modifier 53). Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.

Medical necessity for 47550 is established by the need to visualize and potentially address abnormalities within the biliary ducts during a surgical procedure.Documentation should support the suspicion of a biliary pathology requiring intraoperative evaluation.

With the patient under anesthesia and undergoing a procedure like a cholecystectomy, the surgeon inserts the choledochoscope into the common bile duct and examines the biliary system. Fluoroscopic guidance and/or cholangiography with dye injection may be used to identify blockages. The choledochoscope is removed after the examination.

IMPORTANT For other biliary endoscopy procedures performed with different approaches, refer to codes 47552-47556. Fluoroscopic guidance and cholangiography should be reported separately if used.

In simple words: During gallbladder surgery, the surgeon uses a thin, lighted tube with a camera (a choledochoscope) to look inside your bile ducts for any problems or blockages.

This code represents an intraoperative biliary endoscopy, also known as a choledochoscopy. It involves inserting a specialized endoscope, called a choledochoscope, into the biliary ducts during a surgical procedure. The choledochoscope is equipped with a light source and camera, allowing for direct visualization of the bile ducts to detect abnormalities or blockages.This procedure is typically performed in conjunction with other biliary tract procedures like a cholecystectomy.

Example 1: A patient undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy is found to have dilated bile ducts. A choledochoscopy (47550) is performed to examine the ducts for stones or strictures., During an open cholecystectomy, the surgeon suspects a common bile duct stone. An intraoperative choledochoscopy (47550) is performed to confirm the presence of the stone and attempt its removal., A patient with a history of choledocholithiasis presents with jaundice.During exploratory surgery, a choledochoscopy (47550) is used to visualize the biliary tree and identify the cause of the obstruction.

Documentation should include the primary procedure performed, the indication for the choledochoscopy, findings during the procedure (e.g., stones, strictures), and any interventions performed through the choledochoscope.

** Always check payer-specific guidelines for coding and reimbursement policies.

  • RVU: Work RVU: 3.02, Total RVU: 4.85 (Physician), Facility RVU: Varies based on APC
  • Global Days : This is an add-on code and does not have its own global days. Global days are determined by the primary procedure.
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is not applicable to 47550 as it is a surgical procedure.
  • Fee Schedule : Refer to historical Medicare fee schedules for past payment information.
  • Specialties:General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center
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