Summary & Overview
CPT 47380: Open Radiofrequency Ablation of Liver Tumors
CPT code 47380 denotes open surgical radiofrequency ablation of one or more hepatic tumors. This procedure is clinically significant as a liver-directed local therapy for tumors when an open approach is indicated, offering a targeted option for tumor control. National interest centers on appropriate use, site-of-service determination, and payer coverage policies affecting access and facility reimbursement.
Key payers commonly involved in coverage decisions include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical context and procedural intent, typical sites of service, common payer considerations, and the types of benchmarks and policy updates that influence utilization and reimbursement. The publication outlines where to expect variation in coverage and authorization requirements across major payers and highlights coding considerations that affect claims processing.
The content provides practical billing context (service line and site of service), a summary of payer coverage landscape, and guidance on where policy changes or clinical guidelines may alter utilization. Data gaps from the provided input are noted where applicable as "Data not available in the input."
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 47380 describes an open surgical radiofrequency ablation procedure used to ablate one or more tumors in the liver. The provider performs an open approach to deliver radiofrequency energy directly to hepatic tumors to achieve thermal destruction of tumor tissue.
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Service type: Open radiofrequency tumor ablation of the liver
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Typical site of service: Inpatient or outpatient hospital operating room or surgical suite
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a 62-year-old with a history of colorectal cancer who develops one or more hepatic metastases detected on cross-sectional imaging. After multidisciplinary tumor board review, the patient is scheduled for an open radiofrequency ablation of liver lesions due to lesion size, location, or need for concurrent surgical management (for example, segmental resection or inspection for additional lesions). The patient undergoes preoperative evaluation including liver function tests, coagulation studies, and imaging (contrast-enhanced CT or MRI) to localize tumors. On the day of service the patient is brought to an operating room; general anesthesia is administered. The surgeon performs an open abdominal incision, exposes the liver, and uses a radiofrequency ablation probe to thermally ablate one or more tumors under direct visualization. Intraoperative ultrasound may be used to confirm lesion targeting. Hemostasis is achieved, drains may be placed as indicated, and the abdominal wall is closed. Postoperative care includes monitoring in the PACU or inpatient unit for pain control, hemodynamic stability, and surveillance for bleeding or bile leak. Pathology or tumor board follow-up occurs as needed to plan adjuvant therapy or surveillance imaging.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when the work, time, and technical difficulty substantially exceed the typical effort for open radiofrequency ablation of the liver. |