CPT 0875T: Programming of Peritoneal Ascites Pump System

CPT code 0875T designates the provider programming of a peritoneal ascites pump system. As implantable ascites-management devices gain clinical use for refractory ascites, documentation and accurate coding for programming procedures are important for billing consistency and care coordination. Nationally, the code captures a discrete device-management service distinct from implantation or diagnostic procedures.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical purpose of the code, typical sites of service, and the types of benchmarks and policy context commonly addressed in payer coverage reviews. The publication summarizes reimbursement benchmarking considerations, common billing modifiers observed for device programming encounters, and the clinical context for use of peritoneal ascites pumps in refractory ascites management.

This summary is intended to orient billing professionals, clinical coders, and policy analysts to the primary function of the code and the areas of policy and operational interest — including coverage determination patterns, billing consistency, and documentation touchpoints — on a national level. Data not available in the input.

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 0875T describes the programming of a peritoneal ascites pump system. This service involves the provider adjusting or configuring the implanted pump that manages ascites fluid drainage from the peritoneal cavity.

Service type: Device programming and management
Typical site of service: Outpatient procedure setting, including ambulatory surgery centers or hospital outpatient departments

Clinical Context

A typical patient is an adult with refractory malignant or cirrhotic ascites who has recurrent symptomatic fluid accumulation despite diuretics and serial paracenteses. The patient is evaluated in an interventional radiology or surgical clinic for implantation of a tunneled peritoneal ascites pump system. Pre-procedure workflow includes history and physical, imaging (abdominal ultrasound or CT) to confirm fluid loculation and anatomy, coagulation assessment, and informed consent. On the day of service the procedure is performed in an outpatient ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room, often under moderate sedation or general anesthesia depending on patient comorbidity. The provider places and programs the implanted pump, confirms catheter position and function, and documents programming parameters. Immediate post-procedure monitoring includes assessment for bleeding, infection, and device function with instructions for pump management and follow-up visits for device interrogation and ascites volume management.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when work required to program the pump is substantially greater than typical and documentation supports additional work.
`26`	Professional component

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
208M00000X	General Surgery	Surgeons who place and manage implanted peritoneal devices and pumps.
2086S0123X	Interventional Radiology	Interventional radiologists commonly place and program tunneled catheters and implanted pumps under image guidance.
207L00000X	Colorectal Surgery	Colorectal surgeons may manage complex ascites and implanted abdominal devices.
207K00000X	Gastroenterology	Gastroenterologists coordinate ascites care and follow-up but typically do not program pumps directly.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`K70.30`	Alcoholic cirrhosis of liver without ascites	Not directly relevant to ascites management — Data not available in the input.
`K71.7`	Toxic liver disease with fibrosis and cirrhosis of liver	Not directly relevant to ascites management — Data not available in the input.
`K74.60`	Unspecified cirrhosis of liver	Cirrhosis commonly causes refractory ascites warranting implanted pump therapy.
`C78.7`	Secondary malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile duct	Malignancy-related ascites may be an indication for a peritoneal pump to palliate recurrent malignant ascites.
`R18.8`	Other ascites	General ascites diagnosis relevant when specifying the indication for pump implantation and programming.

Note: Specific ICD-10 codes provided in the input were absent; the table above lists commonly associated diagnoses for peritoneal ascites pump therapy.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`0875T`	The provider programs a peritoneal ascites pump system	Primary code for programming the implanted peritoneal ascites pump.
`49422`	Peritoneal drainage for diagnosis or therapeutic aspiration (paracentesis), abdominal	Performed before or between pump implantation events for symptomatic fluid removal.
`49083`	Insertion of tunneled peritoneal catheter, with subcutaneous port or pump; for drainage of ascites	Often performed at the time of device implantation; programming follows catheter/port placement.
`76937`	Ultrasound guidance for aspiration and/or catheter placement	Used when image guidance is employed during catheter placement associated with pump systems.
`93740`	Program/modify external pacemaker/ICD — not applicable — Data not available in the input.	Data not available in the input.

Note: If additional facility or anesthesia codes are required for the implantation or programming encounter, those are billed separately as appropriate.

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Summary & Overview