Radiofrequency Ablation Of Liver Tumors (October 2002)

Why This Topic Matters

The article is relevant for anyone coding liver tumor ablation because it ties a newer treatment approach to the CPT framework used in 2002. It also helps readers see how procedural approach, imaging guidance, and monitoring are discussed in relation to the service.

Article Sections

1. October 2002 pages 1-4

   Introductory publication information for the CPT Assistant article.

2. Radiofrequency Ablation Of Liver Tumors

   Overview of the procedure, its general use in liver tumors, and the broader clinical context for the topic.

3. How Radiofrequency Ablates Tissue

   General explanation of how the ablation process affects tissue and the factors that influence the extent of treatment.

4. Imaging during RF Tissue Ablation

   Discussion of imaging modalities used to guide and monitor the procedure across different approaches.

5. Typical Clinical Indications

   Broad clinical situations and patient groups in which the procedure may be considered.

6. Open Radiofrequency Ablation of Liver Tumors (47380 & 76940)

   Clinical workflow example for an open approach and the general use of associated guidance and monitoring services.

7. Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation of Liver Tumors (47370 & 76940)

   Clinical workflow example for a laparoscopic approach and the general use of associated guidance and monitoring services.

8. Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Liver Tumors (47382 and associated guidance code)

   Clinical workflow example for a percutaneous approach and the general use of associated imaging guidance.

9. Coding Radiofrequency Ablation of Liver Tumors

   Summary of the CPT update discussing procedure reporting, imaging guidance, and session-level reporting concepts.

10. Example

    A brief scenario illustrating how services may be reported when more than one physician is involved.