tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2005 Issue 12

You Be the Coder: Cholangiography With Exploration--Get It Right

Question: My surgeon performed a lap chole with both cholangiography and exploration of the common duct. I reported 47563 and 47564, but the payer reimbursed only 47564. Is this correct, or can we gain additional payment for the cholangiography in a different way (perhaps using a modifier)?Pennsylvania SubscriberAnswer: Your payer was correct. You cannot gain additional compensation for the cholangiography in this case, with or without a modifier.If the surgeon performs both cholangiography and exploration of the common bile duct (to locate and remove gallstones, for instance) you should report only 47564 (Laparoscopy, surgical; cholecystectomy with exploration...

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