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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesIntroduction Procedures on the Biliary TractCPT cpt-47535-percutaneous-conversion-internal-external-biliary-drainage
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    CPT 47535: Percutaneous Conversion to Internal–External Biliary Drainage

    Medicare pays $884 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 47535 describes a percutaneous, image-guided procedure in which a provider converts an existing external biliary drainage catheter to an internal–external drainage catheter to allow both internal and external bile drainage; the service is performed using ultrasound and/or fluoroscopic guidance and may include cholangiography by injecting contrast into the bile ducts. This is an interventional radiology procedure (percutaneous biliary intervention) typically performed in an outpatient interventional radiology suite or inpatient radiology/operating room setting and is billed as a procedure-based service under the CPT coding system.

    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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    Table of contents

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 68-year-old patient with a history of cholangiocarcinoma presents with an existing percutaneous external biliary drainage catheter that is producing persistent external bile output and causing skin irritation and decreased quality of life. The interventional radiology team evaluates imaging (ultrasound and fluoroscopy) and plans conversion of the external catheter to an internal–external biliary drainage catheter to allow bile to drain internally into the duodenum while maintaining external access if needed. Under moderate sedation in the interventional suite, the provider performs image-guided access of the biliary tree, injects contrast for cholangiography to delineate ductal anatomy and level of obstruction, upsizes or exchanges the catheter over a guidewire, and places an internal–external catheter with the internal pigtail positioned across the ampulla when feasible. Postprocedure radiographs confirm position and patency. Typical site of service is the hospital-based interventional radiology suite or ambulatory surgical center using fluoroscopy and/or ultrasound guidance. Common clinical indications include malignant or benign biliary obstruction, leak management, or need for temporary internalization of long-term external drainage.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    47510Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography or biliary drainage without placement of indwelling catheter; initial punctureMay be performed before or during conversion when fresh transhepatic access is required or to map biliary anatomy
    47511Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography or biliary drainage, with placement of indwelling biliary catheterUsed when initial placement of an internal or external biliary drain is performed rather than conversion
    47532Removal of indwelling biliary catheter, percutaneous complex (e.g., with guidewire or stiffener)May be performed if catheter exchange requires complex removal maneuvers prior to internal–external conversion
    76937Ultrasound guidance for drainage placementUsed when real-time ultrasound guidance assists in access to the biliary system during conversion
    77002Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement (radiological supervision and interpretation)Describes fluoroscopic guidance/interpretation when imaging is performed as part of the procedure

    Related Modifiers

    9 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…
    23Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
    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…
    51Modifier –51 (Multiple Procedures) is used when the same provider performs multiple procedures in the same session to identify secondary, non‑exempt procedures and indicate payment reduction logic…- Use modifier -51 when the same provider performs multiple distinct procedures during the same patient encounter: report the highest‑valued procedure first (no modifier) and append -51 to…
    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…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    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…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207X00000X
    208600000X
    363L00000X
    208000000X
    2278P3800X
    364SP0811X
    261QA1903X
    132700000X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    26 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    C22.0Liver cell carcinoma
    C24.0Malignant neoplasm of extrahepatic bile duct
    C78.7Secondary malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile duct
    I85.01Esophageal varices with bleeding
    I85.11Secondary esophageal varices with bleeding
    K65.0Generalized (acute) peritonitis
    K80.10Calculus of gallbladder with chronic cholecystitis without obstruction
    K80.11Calculus of gallbladder with chronic cholecystitis with obstruction
    K80.20Calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitis without obstruction
    K80.21Calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitis with obstruction

    Showing 1–10 of 26

    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
    Fecal Analysis in the Diagnosis of Intestinal Dysbiosis and Fecal Microbiota Transplant TestingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Serum Testing for Hepatic Fibrosis in the Evaluation and Monitoring of Chronic Liver DiseaseOscar Health2026-10-01
    Pancreatic Enzyme Testing for Acute PancreatitisOscar Health2026-10-01
    Helicobacter pylori TestingOscar Health2026-10-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-47490-PERCUTANEOUS-GALLBLADDER-DRAINAGE-CATHETER-PLACEMENT

    CPT 47490: Percutaneous Gallbladder Catheter Placement

    CPT-47531-PERCUTANEOUS-CHOLANGIOGRAPHY-INJECTION-IMAGE-GUIDED

    CPT 47531: Percutaneous Cholangiography Injection, Image-Guided

    CPT-47532-PERCUTANEOUS-CHOLANGIOGRAPHY-NEW-ACCESS-CONTRAST-INJECTION

    CPT 47532: Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography with Contrast Injection

    CPT-47533-PERCUTANEOUS-BILIARY-DRAINAGE-EXTERNAL

    CPT 47533: Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage with Imaging

    CPT-47534-PERCUTANEOUS-BILIARY-DRAINAGE-IMAGE-GUIDED

    CPT 47534: Percutaneous Biliary Drainage with Cholangiography

    CPT-47536-PERCUTANEOUS-BILIARY-CATHETER-EXCHANGE-CONVERSION

    CPT 47536: Percutaneous Biliary Drainage Catheter Exchange/Conversion

    CPT-47537-BILIARY-CATHETER-REMOVAL-IMAGE-GUIDANCE-CHOLANGIOGRAPHY

    CPT 47537: Percutaneous Removal of Biliary Drainage Catheter

    CPT-47538-PERCUTANEOUS-BILIARY-STENT-PLACEMENT

    CPT 47538: Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Stent Placement

    CPT-47539-PERCUTANEOUS-BILIARY-STENT-PLACEMENT

    CPT 47539: Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Stent Placement

    CPT-47540-PERCUTANEOUS-BILIARY-STENT-AND-DRAINAGE-CATHETER-PLACEMENT

    CPT 47540: Percutaneous Biliary Stent Placement with Drainage Catheter

    Showing 1–10 of 14

    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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