Summary & Overview
CPT 47562: Laparoscopic Surgical Removal of Gallbladder
CPT code 47562 is a nationally recognized billing code for laparoscopic surgical cholecystectomy, a procedure to remove the gallbladder using minimally invasive techniques. This code is central to general surgery practice and is frequently utilized in hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgical centers. The procedure is indicated for a range of gallbladder diseases, including gallstones and acute cholecystitis, and is preferred for its reduced patient recovery time and lower risk profile compared to traditional open surgery.
Major payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, Medicare, and UnitedHealthcare. The publication provides a comprehensive overview of clinical indications, typical sites of service, and related billing codes. Readers will gain insight into national benchmarks, policy updates, and the clinical context surrounding the use of CPT code 47562. The summary also highlights common modifiers and associated taxonomies relevant to billing and coding professionals. This resource is designed to inform healthcare administrators, coding specialists, and policy analysts about the latest trends and requirements for laparoscopic cholecystectomy billing.
CPT Code Overview
CPT code 47562 represents a laparoscopic surgical cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove the gallbladder. This service falls under general surgery and is commonly performed in a hospital outpatient setting (e.g., POS 22) or an ambulatory surgical center (POS 24). The procedure is widely used for patients with gallbladder disease, offering reduced recovery times and lower complication rates compared to open surgery.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient scenario involves an adult presenting to the hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgical center with symptoms such as right upper quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, and possibly fever. Diagnostic imaging reveals gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder. The patient is diagnosed with a condition such as acute cholecystitis or gallbladder disease and is scheduled for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (47562). The surgical workflow includes preoperative assessment, anesthesia, laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder, and postoperative recovery. The procedure is performed by a general surgeon or a physician with relevant surgical taxonomy.
Coding Specifications
- Modifier
22: Used to indicate increased procedural services when the laparoscopic cholecystectomy is significantly more complex or time-consuming than usual, such as due to extensive adhesions or anatomical variations.
| Modifier Code | Description | When Used |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | When procedure is more complex than typical |