October 2009 page 12
Surgery: Digestive System, 47715, modifier 52 (Q&A)
Question: A patient underwent resection of a choledochal cyst,
with stripping of the mucous and with a small part of the cyst left behind. What is the
appropriate code for reporting this procedure?
Answer: In an uncomplicated case, choledochal cysts are almost
always completely excised and reported with code 47715, Excision of
choledochal cyst. In some instances, when a choledochal cyst is resected, a portion of
the cyst will be left behind for clinical reasons. In those instances, it may be
appropriate to append Modifier 52, Reduced...
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