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    OpenPayerBilling CodesEndoscopy Procedures on the Biliary TractCPT cpt-47555-choledochoscopy-dilation-through-transabdominal-access
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    CPT 47555: Choledochoscopic Dilation of Biliary Duct via Existing Abdominal Tube

    Medicare pays $304 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 47555 describes endoscopic dilation of a biliary duct using a choledochoscope passed through an existing abdominal wall tube to visualize and widen a narrowed segment without placing a stent; this is an interventional biliary endoscopy procedure typically performed in an interventional radiology or endoscopy suite or other specialized procedural area and is billed as a surgical/procedural service.

    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 62-year-old female with a history of cholangitis and prior open cholecystectomy presents with recurrent right upper quadrant pain, abnormal liver function tests with cholestatic pattern, and imaging showing dilation of the intrahepatic biliary tree with a suspected focal stricture at the common bile duct. The patient has an existing percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) catheter placed during a prior hospitalization. Interventional radiology schedules a choledochoscopy with balloon dilation through the existing external biliary drainage tract to directly visualize the biliary ducts, confirm the stricture location, and perform dilation to restore luminal patency. The procedure is performed under moderate sedation or monitored anesthesia care in an interventional radiology or endoscopy suite. The choledochoscope is introduced through the established PTBD tract; biliary inspection is completed, targeted dilation of the stenotic segment is performed with no stent placement at the conclusion. Post-procedure, the existing external biliary drain may be left in place for decompression per clinical judgment. Typical documentation includes indication, consent, pre-procedure imaging, type of anesthesia, description of choledochoscope insertion through existing abdominal wall tube, findings on direct visualization, dilation method and size, absence of stent placement, estimated blood loss, complications (if any), and post-procedure plan.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    47555Choledochoscopy, with dilation of biliary duct, via percutaneous transhepatic approach through existing tube; no stent left in placePrimary procedure description — direct visualization and dilation through an established percutaneous tract without stent placement.
    47540External biliary drainage via percutaneous transhepatic approach including imaging guidanceOften performed prior to 47555 to establish percutaneous biliary access (existing tube through which choledochoscope is later introduced).
    47562Peritoneal and retroperitoneal drainage procedures are not relevant and omitted per strict rules.
    43260Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with diagnostic cholangiography, without endoscopic sphincterotomyMay be an alternative diagnostic approach to evaluate biliary strictures; used in workflows when endoscopic access is preferred or in tandem for comparative assessment.
    43264Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy and/or stent placementPerformed if endoscopic therapy with sphincterotomy or stent placement via ERCP is chosen instead of percutaneous dilation or as a complementary therapy after 47555 if stenting becomes necessary.
    43268ERCP with removal of biliary stone(s) by basket or balloon extractionPerformed when stones are identified during biliary endoscopy; may be performed at the same session via endoscopic approach or during a separate ERCP.

    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…
    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…
    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…
    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…
    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
    2084P0805X
    208C00000X
    207X00000X
    363LF0000X
    2084S0012X
    207ZP0101X
    251300000X
    251X00000X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    25 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    C22.9Malignant neoplasm of liver, not specified as primary or secondary
    C23Malignant neoplasm of gallbladder
    C24.1Malignant neoplasm of ampulla of Vater
    E86.0Dehydration
    E87.1Hypo-osmolality and hyponatremia
    I85.01Esophageal varices with bleeding
    I85.11Secondary esophageal varices with bleeding
    K65.0Generalized (acute) peritonitis
    K75.9Inflammatory liver disease, unspecified
    K80.10Calculus of gallbladder with chronic cholecystitis without obstruction

    Showing 1–10 of 25

    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-47550-BILIARY-ENDOSCOPY-CHOLEDOCHOSCOPY-INTRAOPERATIVE

    CPT 47550: Biliary Endoscopy (Choledochoscopy) During Gallbladder Surgery

    CPT-47552-ENDOSCOPIC-DIAGNOSTIC-BILIARY-TRACT-EXAM

    CPT 47552: Diagnostic Endoscopy of the Biliary Tract with Brushing/Washing

    CPT-47553-CHOLEDOCHOSCOPY-BILIARY-VISUALIZATION-BIOPSY

    CPT 47553: Choledochoscopy with Directed Biopsy via Abdominal Tube

    CPT-47554-CHOLEDOCHOSCOPY-STONE-EXTRACTION-THROUGH-TRANSABDOMINAL-TUBE

    CPT 47554: Choledochoscopy with Biliary Stone Extraction

    CPT-47556-CHOLEDOCHOSCOPY-DILATION-STENT-VIA-TRANSABDOMINAL-TUBE

    CPT 47556: Choledochoscopy with Biliary Dilation and Stent Placement

    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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