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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling Codes3D Contour Simulation of Target Liver Lesions with Microwave Ablation ProceduresCPT cpt-0944t-liver-ablation-3d-simulation-planning
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    CPT 0944T: 3D Liver Lesion Simulation for Microwave Ablation Planning

    CPT code 0944T describes use of advanced software to generate a 3D simulation of one or more liver lesions and surrounding tissue to plan a microwave ablation procedure, including calculation of ablation volume, overlay of the planned ablation onto CT images, and comparison of pre- and post-procedure volumes; service type: image-based preprocedural 3D treatment planning and volumetric analysis; typical site of service: hospital outpatient imaging or interventional radiology suite.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation for Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders, Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) Coverage Policy, Radiofrequency Therapy for Fecal Incontinence.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 68-year-old patient with a history of colorectal cancer presents with a solitary 2.8 cm metastatic lesion in the right hepatic lobe identified on contrast-enhanced CT. The multidisciplinary tumor board elects percutaneous microwave ablation to treat the lesion because the patient is not a surgical candidate due to comorbid cardiopulmonary disease. The interventional radiology team obtains pre-procedure CT images and uploads the datasets into advanced ablation-planning software. The provider segments the lesion and adjacent hepatic anatomy, simulates one or more ablation probes and energy settings in 3D, calculates predicted ablation volumes, and overlays the planned ablation onto the patient’s CT images to confirm target coverage while preserving critical structures. The planned simulation is used to guide probe placement in the interventional suite under CT or ultrasound guidance. Post-ablation, follow-up CT images are acquired; the software compares pre- and post-ablation volumes to document adequate treatment margin and to confirm the absence of residual enhancing tumor. Typical site of service: hospital outpatient interventional radiology suite or ambulatory surgical center. Service type: advanced image-based pre- and post-procedural 3D ablation planning and volumetric analysis supporting percutaneous microwave ablation.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    47120Hepatectomy, resection of liver, wedge resection or segmental resectionSurgical alternative to percutaneous ablation; considered in multidisciplinary planning when resection is feasible.
    47382Ablation, open, hepatic, radiofrequency or microwave, single lesionA procedural code for hepatic ablation performed via open surgical approach; related by treatment intent.
    47383Ablation, percutaneous, hepatic, radiofrequency or microwave, single lesionPercutaneous ablation procedure that the 3D planning simulation supports; often performed immediately after planning.
    71250CT, thorax; without contrast material, with contrast, or both (for staging)CT imaging for staging and guidance; source images used by planning software.
    74177CT abdomen and pelvis with contrastDiagnostic and procedural guidance CT; provides datasets for 3D simulation and post-ablation comparison.
    763773D rendering with interpretation and reporting of CT/MRI images when performed separatelyRelated imaging service for complex 3D rendering and volumetric comparison; may be reported when distinct from the planning service per carrier rules.

    Related Modifiers

    7 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…
    82Modifier 82 is appended to a surgical CPT code to indicate that an attending physician acted as an assistant because a qualified resident surgeon was unavailable. In teaching hospitals it documents…- When to use: Append modifier 82 in teaching-hospital settings to indicate a physician served as an assistant surgeon because a qualified resident surgeon was unavailable (includes situations where…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207P00000X
    207K00000X
    208000000X
    363A00000X
    207X00000X
    171WV0202X
    133VN1006X
    246ZB0600X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    28 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    B18.2Chronic viral hepatitis C
    B19.20Unspecified viral hepatitis C without hepatic coma
    C22.0Liver cell carcinoma
    C22.2Hepatoblastoma
    C22.7Other specified carcinomas of liver
    C22.9Malignant neoplasm of liver, not specified as primary or secondary
    C78.1Secondary malignant neoplasm of mediastinum
    C78.7Secondary malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile duct
    C80.1Malignant (primary) neoplasm, unspecified
    D01.5Carcinoma in situ of liver, gallbladder and bile ducts

    Showing 1–10 of 28

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Gastroenterology1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation for Functional Abdominal Pain Disordersbcbsvermont2026-12-01
    Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) Coverage Policyevicore2026-11-05
    Radiofrequency Therapy for Fecal IncontinenceCigna2026-10-15
    Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    High-Resolution Anoscopy (HRA)Premera Bluecross2026-10-01
    Gastroesophageal and Gastrointestinal (GI) Services and ProceduresColorado Rocky Mountain Health Plans2026-10-01
    Serum Testing for Hepatic Fibrosis in the Evaluation and Monitoring of Chronic Liver DiseaseOscar Health2026-10-01
    Fecal Analysis in the Diagnosis of Intestinal Dysbiosis and Fecal Microbiota Transplant TestingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Pancreatic Enzyme Testing for Acute PancreatitisOscar Health2026-10-01
    Helicobacter pylori TestingOscar Health2026-10-01

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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