Summary & Overview
CPT 49325: Laparoscopic Removal of Intraperitoneal Catheter Obstruction
CPT code 49325 denotes a laparoscopic procedure to surgically access the abdominal cavity and remove an obstruction from a previously placed intraperitoneal catheter. Nationally, this code matters because it is used for definitive, minimally invasive management of catheter-related blockages that can otherwise interrupt therapies such as peritoneal dialysis, intraperitoneal chemotherapy, or long-term drainage. Proper coding affects procedural tracking, facility and professional reimbursement, and quality measurement for catheter maintenance and complication management.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical intent and typical sites of service, as well as benchmarks and policy-relevant details where available. The discussion highlights clinical context—when a laparoscopic approach is chosen over bedside or open techniques—and outlines implications for facility versus professional billing.
This publication provides: clinical context for CPT code 49325; expectations for where the service is commonly delivered (hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgery center); and a summary of common billing considerations and payer coverage themes. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 49325 describes a laparoscopic surgical procedure to access the abdominal cavity and locate and remove an obstruction from a previously placed intraperitoneal catheter. This procedure involves minimally invasive entry into the peritoneal space using laparoscopic instruments to identify the catheter, address the blockage, and restore catheter function.
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Service type: Laparoscopic intraperitoneal catheter obstruction removal
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Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgery center
Data not available in the input for additional fields.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 56-year-old patient with a history of recurrent ascites and a previously placed intraperitoneal catheter for long-term peritoneal drainage presents with decreasing catheter outflow and abdominal discomfort. Imaging (abdominal ultrasound or CT) suggests catheter occlusion without peritonitis. The surgeon plans a laparoscopic procedure to access the abdominal cavity, identify the obstructed intraperitoneal catheter lumen or fibrin/scar tissue causing the blockage, and remove the obstruction or replace the catheter as indicated. The clinical workflow includes preoperative evaluation (history, focused exam, labs, antibiotic prophylaxis as appropriate), induction of general anesthesia, establishment of pneumoperitoneum, laparoscopic inspection and adhesiolysis as needed, removal of the obstruction from the catheter lumen or catheter revision, hemostasis, and closure. Postoperative care includes monitoring for return of catheter function, pain control, observation for bleeding or infection, and discharge planning with instructions for catheter care and follow-up with the operating surgeon and the team managing the underlying ascites or dialysis therapy.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | (Not a standard CMS modifier for claims — included in input list) | Data not available in the input; not typically used for CMS claim reporting |