2025 CPT code 48000
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Digestive System Surgery Feed
Placement of drains, peripancreatic, for acute pancreatitis.
Modifiers 50, 51, 59, 78, 79 may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.Consult the CPT manual for specific modifier usage guidelines.
Medical necessity for 48000 is established by the presence of acute pancreatitis with significant peripancreatic fluid collection or infection requiring drainage to prevent complications such as sepsis or pancreatic abscess. This typically involves clinical presentation consistent with severe acute pancreatitis and imaging findings confirming the presence of peripancreatic fluid collections or evidence of infection.
The surgeon performs the procedure, including incision, exploration, tissue removal (if necessary), drain placement, lavage (if indicated), hemostasis, and closure.
In simple words: This procedure involves placing drains near the pancreas to treat severe inflammation (acute pancreatitis). The doctor makes a cut in the abdomen, examines the pancreas, removes any damaged tissue, places drains to remove fluid, and closes the incision.
In a patient with acute pancreatitis, the provider places drains around the pancreas.After appropriate preparation and anesthesia, a midline abdominal incision is made. The pancreas and surrounding area are examined, and diseased pancreatic tissue may be removed. One or more drains are placed near the infected area and secured with sutures.Abdominal lavage with antibiotics may be performed. Hemostasis is ensured, and the incision is closed in layers.
Example 1: A 55-year-old male presents with severe epigastric pain radiating to the back, consistent with acute pancreatitis.After stabilization, the surgeon performs an open surgical procedure to place peripancreatic drains to manage the infection and fluid buildup., A 38-year-old female with acute pancreatitis secondary to gallstones requires surgical intervention.The surgeon places peripancreatic drains to improve drainage and reduce inflammation., A 70-year-old male with severe acute pancreatitis and suspected pancreatic necrosis undergoes a laparotomy with debridement of necrotic tissue and placement of multiple peripancreatic drains for source control and infection management.
Preoperative diagnosis supporting acute pancreatitis, operative report detailing the procedure performed, including drain placement location and number, postoperative recovery notes, and imaging studies (e.g., CT scan) showing the extent of the pancreatitis.
** This code is typically used for open surgical procedures.Endoscopic approaches are coded separately (see alternate codes).The number of drains placed and the complexity of the procedure should be documented to support medical necessity and proper reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:General Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center