CPT code 38747 denotes an add-on abdominal lymphadenectomy performed with another primary intra-abdominal procedure to remove regional lymph nodes, commonly for cancers of the intestines, stomach, pancreas, or other abdominal organs. As an add-on surgical code, it captures the distinct work and resources required to extend a primary abdominal operation to include comprehensive lymph node removal, often involving nodes near major vascular structures. Nationally, accurate use of this code affects quality reporting, surgical case mix, and hospital/provider billing for oncologic surgeries.

Key payers in typical analyses include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of coding intent and clinical context, payer coverage expectations, and practical considerations for service classification. The publication covers benchmarking and claim-level patterns, common modifier usage where available, and implications for documentation and operative reporting to support correct coding. The content is intended for revenue cycle professionals, surgical teams, and policy analysts seeking a focused reference on CPT code 38747 and its role in abdominal oncologic surgery.