tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2008 Issue 9

Reader Questions: Watch for Specifics When Selecting Biopsy Code

Question: Our surgeon performed a diagnostic laparoscopy with biopsy for multiple liver lesions. Would 47370 be the correct choice for this procedure? Maryland Subscriber Answer: Code 47370 (Laparoscopy, surgical, ablation of one or more liver tumor[s]; radiofrequency) is likely not correct in this instance. The descriptor for 47370 stipulates ablation by radiofrequency -- while your question makes no mention of radiofrequency and stresses biopsy for study rather than outright destruction or removal (which is the effect of ablation). The surgeon can achieve the same results using cryosurgery (47381, Ablation ... cryosurgical), but this procedure doesn't fit your description any better...

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