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General Surgery Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Cholangiogram Isn't Separate With Exploration

Published on Tue Sep 16, 2008

Question: If the surgeon performs both cholangiography and exploration of the common bile duct (to locate and remove gallstone), may I report both 47610 and 47605? West Virginia Subscriber Answer: No. In this case, you should report only 47610 (Cholecystectomy with exploration of common duct). Here's why: The national Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) bundles cholangiography, 47605 (Cholecystectomy; with cholangiography), to exploration 47610 and likewise bundles 47563 (Laparoscopy, surgical; cholecystectomy with cholangiography) into 47564 (Laparoscopy, surgical; cholecystectomy with exploration of common duct) for a laparoscopic approach. Both edits include a "0" modifier indicator, meaning that you may never override them. In other words: Payers will always include the work involved in cholangiography in exploration of the common ducts.
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