Summary & Overview
CPT 47564: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy with Common Bile Duct Exploration
CPT code 47564 represents a laparoscopic cholecystectomy that includes exploration of the common bile duct. It covers surgical removal of the gallbladder using a laparoscope and intraoperative inspection or exploration of the common bile duct for stones or obstruction. This procedure is a common definitive treatment for gallbladder disease and is important for preventing recurrent biliary colic, cholecystitis, and complications from retained ductal stones, making it a significant driver of surgical service utilization nationwide.
Key payers addressed in typical coverage discussions include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise review of the clinical context for the service, typical sites of care, and payer relevance. The publication summarizes benchmarking points, common billing and coding considerations, and policy or coverage themes that affect payment and utilization for this procedure. It is designed to inform coding professionals, revenue cycle staff, and policy stakeholders about the clinical intent of CPT code 47564, how it is commonly delivered, and the topics to consider when evaluating claims and coverage policies.
Data not available in the input for specific modifiers, associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, or payer-specific reimbursement rates.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 47564 describes a laparoscopic cholecystectomy with exploration of the common bile duct. The procedure involves removal of the gallbladder using a laparoscope, a tubular instrument with a light source and camera inserted through the abdominal wall, and includes exploration of the common bile duct to check for stones and ensure free passage of bile.
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Service type: Surgical removal of the gallbladder with intraoperative common bile duct exploration
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Typical site of service: Hospital operating room or ambulatory surgical center, performed under general anesthesia
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a 45–65-year-old adult presenting with symptomatic gallbladder disease—commonly biliary colic, chronic cholecystitis, or acute cholecystitis—with or without suspected choledocholithiasis. Workup includes history and physical, abdominal ultrasound demonstrating cholelithiasis or gallbladder wall thickening, liver function tests, and possibly MRCP or endoscopic ultrasound if common bile duct stones are suspected. The patient is scheduled for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative exploration of the common bile duct via cholangiography or choledochoscopy.
Preoperative workflow includes informed consent, anesthesia evaluation (general endotracheal anesthesia typical), perioperative antibiotics as indicated, and verification of imaging and labs. Intraoperative steps: establishment of pneumoperitoneum, placement of laparoscopic ports, dissection of Calot's triangle, cystic duct and artery control, performance of intraoperative cholangiogram or choledochoscopy to visualize the common bile duct and check for choledocholithiasis, removal of the gallbladder through a trocar site, and hemostasis. Postoperative workflow includes recovery in PACU, pain control, monitoring for bile leak or bleeding, discharge instructions, and follow-up visit.
Typical site of service: ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room.
Service type: minimally invasive operative procedure — laparoscopic cholecystectomy with exploration of the common bile duct.
Coding Specifications
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