Summary & Overview
HCPCS G0342: Laparoscopy for Islet Cell Transplant, Portal Vein Infusion
HCPCS Level II code G0342 represents a laparoscopic procedure for islet cell transplantation that includes portal vein catheterization and infusion. This specialized surgical service enables transplantation of islet cells via a minimally invasive approach and is relevant to hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers that offer advanced transplant and interventional capabilities. Nationally, the code matters for centers performing cellular therapies and for payers managing coverage of complex procedural and transplant-related services.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise briefing on clinical context, expected site-of-service settings, and the role of the procedure in islet cell transplantation pathways. The publication outlines reimbursement benchmarks where available, common billing considerations, and policy or coding updates that affect claims for laparoscopy with portal vein infusion. Clinical implications and procedural scope are summarized to help coding, billing, and administrative teams understand when to use HCPCS Level II code G0342 and what operational settings typically perform this service.
Data not available in the input: payer-specific rates, associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, related codes, and detailed modifier usage.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code G0342 describes laparoscopy for islet cell transplant, including portal vein catheterization and infusion. This service involves a minimally invasive surgical approach to place islet cells and deliver them via catheterization into the portal vein.
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Service type: Surgical procedure (laparoscopic transplant procedure)
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Typical site of service: Hospital operating room or ambulatory surgery center where laparoscopic surgical and interventional infusion capabilities are available.
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 45-year-old patient with chronic, labile type 1 diabetes mellitus and hypoglycemia unawareness is evaluated for autologous or allogeneic pancreatic islet cell transplantation. After comprehensive endocrine, transplant, and surgical assessment, the patient is brought to the operating room for laparoscopic infusion of isolated islet cells into the portal vein. Under general anesthesia, the surgical team performs diagnostic laparoscopy to confirm abdominal anatomy and rule out contraindications (adhesions, portal hypertension, active infection). A percutaneous or laparoscopically assisted portal vein catheterization is then performed, and the prepared islet cell suspension is infused into the portal venous system under fluoroscopic or Doppler guidance. Hemostasis is confirmed, catheters are removed or secured as required, and the patient is transferred to post-anesthesia care for monitoring of portal pressures, hemoglobin, and early liver-related complications. The multidisciplinary workflow includes preoperative endocrinology optimization, transplant immunology planning, interventional radiology or transplant surgery coordination, and postoperative monitoring in a surgical or transplant unit.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
11 | Provider has performed the initial or primary service | Use when the surgeon is reporting the primary operative service for the encounter. |