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General Surgery Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Clean Up Tru-Cut Liver Biopsy Coding

Published on Tue Aug 16, 2011

Question: Can you please clarify correct coding for a Tru-Cut liver biopsy performed through the same opening at the same time as a laparoscopic cholecystectomy?Kentucky SubscriberAnswer: The simplest answer may be to use 47379 (Unlisted laparoscopic procedure, liver), but some payers may say otherwise.Understand procedure: Tru-Cut liver biopsy is a needle biopsy utilizing a special type of cutting needle comprised of an outer cannula with a serrated rod on the inside. The surgeon uses the interior rod to cut the tissue specimen, trap it inside the cannula, and withdraw the entire needle containing the specimen. The procedure is usually percutaneous, with or without imaging guidance. As such, the correct code for the procedure is 47000 (Biopsy of liver, needle; percutaneous) or +47001 (... when  done for indicated purpose at time of other major procedure [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]). CPT Assistant Dec. 2007 confirms these two [...]
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