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...
Note: The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.
Article Overview
This article presents a short CPT coding question-and-answer on a digestive system surgical procedure and a related modifier topic. It is aimed at medical coders and billing staff who need to understand the scope of the guidance, the type of scenario discussed, and the coding references involved without relying on the full premium text.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps coding professionals quickly determine whether the article is relevant to a specific digestive surgery documentation question and whether it discusses CPT procedure coding with modifier guidance.
Article Sections
October 2009 page 12
A short Q&A focused on a digestive system surgery coding scenario from a specific CPT Assistant issue.
What You Will Learn
The type of digestive system surgery scenario addressed in the Q&A
How the article frames CPT procedure coding for that scenario
What general modifier topic is discussed in connection with the procedure
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