Summary & Overview
CPT 0873T: Revision of Peritoneal Ascites Pump System
CPT code 0873T represents surgical revision of a peritoneal ascites pump system, covering work on the pump mechanism, the peritoneal catheter, or an associated bladder catheter, and may include intra-procedural imaging and pump programming. This procedure addresses complications or device malfunctions related to implanted or tunneled ascites drainage systems and is relevant to hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and interventional specialists managing refractory ascites. Nationally, device-revision codes like 0873T are important for tracking utilization of implantable ascites therapies and for aligning coverage and payment across payers.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical service and typical sites of care, plus a review of common modifiers and payer coverage considerations relevant to device revision procedures. The publication offers clinical context about when revision of an ascites pump may be performed, operational details such as likely settings and imaging support, and notation of missing data fields where input did not provide associated taxonomies or ICD-10 diagnoses. This summary equips billing managers, revenue cycle teams, and clinical leaders with the essential framing needed to locate benchmarks, policy updates, and coding guidance for CPT code 0873T in national discussions.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0873T describes revision of a peritoneal ascites pump system, including work on the pump unit, the peritoneal catheter (tube), or the bladder catheter. The procedure may include use of imaging guidance and programming of the pump as part of the revision.
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Service type: Device revision and management procedure for implanted or indwelling ascites pump systems
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Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient department, ambulatory surgery center, or inpatient surgical setting depending on patient status and clinical complexity
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 62-year-old patient with refractory malignant ascites who previously had an implanted peritoneal ascites pump presents with recurrent malfunction and decreased drainage. The patient experiences increasing abdominal distension, shortness of breath, and discomfort despite periodic large-volume paracenteses. Evaluation includes physical exam, review of pump logs, and cross-sectional or fluoroscopic imaging to assess catheter position and pump integrity. The procedure involves returning the patient to the operating or interventional radiology suite under monitored anesthesia care or general anesthesia depending on comorbidities. The provider revises components of the implanted ascites pump system — for example, repositioning or replacing the peritoneal catheter, revising the pump housing, addressing catheter kinks or occlusions, or revising the bladder catheter if present. Intraoperative imaging (fluoroscopy, ultrasound, or contrast study) may be used to guide catheter manipulation and confirm flow. The pump is interrogated and programmed as needed before closure and recovery. Typical postoperative workflow includes short inpatient observation or same-day discharge with wound care instructions, device function checks, and scheduled outpatient follow-up for device interrogation and symptom assessment.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when documented work or complexity substantially exceeds typical for the revision procedure. |