2025 CPT code 48400

Injection procedure for intraoperative pancreatography; add-on code.

This code is an add-on code, meaning it should only be billed in addition to a primary procedure code.Always refer to the most current CPT coding guidelines and payer specific guidelines for accurate billing.

Modifiers 50, 51, and other applicable modifiers may be used as appropriate based on the circumstances of the service provided.Consult the CPT manual for appropriate modifier use.

Medical necessity for intraoperative pancreatography is established when there's a need to assess the patency or anatomy of the pancreatic duct during pancreatic surgery. This is frequently required during complex pancreatic resections, reconstructions, or procedures for chronic pancreatitis to ensure the success and safety of the operation.

The surgeon is responsible for performing the injection procedure for intraoperative pancreatography.This may involve inserting a catheter into a biliary duct, injecting dye, and obtaining and interpreting the resulting images (though interpretation may be separately billed by a radiologist).

IMPORTANT For radiological supervision and interpretation, see codes 74300 and 74301.For intraoperative pancreatography radiological supervision and interpretation, also see codes 74300 and 74301.For peroral pancreatic endoscopic procedures, see codes 43260-43265 and 43274-43278.

In simple words: The doctor injects a special dye during pancreatic surgery to take an X-ray of the pancreatic duct. This helps them see if there are any blockages.

This CPT code, 48400, represents the injection procedure for intraoperative pancreatography.It is an add-on code and should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code for pancreatic surgery. The procedure involves injecting dye into the pancreatic duct, either via a biliary duct catheter or directly into the opened duodenum, to visualize the duct's anatomy via X-ray. This helps ensure patency and identify potential obstructions.

Example 1: During a Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy), the surgeon injects contrast dye into the pancreatic duct to confirm its patency before completing the anastomosis (reconnection)., A patient undergoes distal pancreatectomy for a pancreatic tumor.Intraoperative pancreatography is performed to ensure the remaining pancreatic duct is free from obstruction and to assess the completeness of resection., In a patient with chronic pancreatitis, intraoperative pancreatography is performed during a procedure to drain a pseudocyst or to address ductal strictures to help assess the location and extent of the disease.

* Operative report detailing the procedure, including the approach to the pancreatic duct (biliary catheter or direct duodenal injection).* Radiographic images demonstrating dye flow through the pancreatic duct.* Anesthesia record.* Preoperative and postoperative diagnoses.* Patient demographics.

** Always check with your specific payer for coverage and reimbursement policies.This code is an add-on and will require accurate documentation to support the medical necessity.

  • Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
  • RVU: Not specified in provided text.Requires consultation with an external fee schedule or database.
  • Global Days : Not specified in provided text.The global period will depend on the primary procedure performed.This should be clarified based on the specific surgical procedure.
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
  • Fee Schedule : Information not available in the provided data.Historical fee schedules will vary by payer and location.
  • Specialties:Surgical Oncology, General Surgery, Gastroenterology
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center
** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.