Please note this question was answered in 2018. The coding advice may or may not be outdated.
Biliary lithotripsty through scope 47554
Date: Sep 6, 2018
Question:
We are hoping to get clarification on when it would be appropriate to report add-on code 47544 (percutaneous removal and/or destruction of calculi from biliary duct) vs. 47554 (biliary endoscopy via existing tract with removal of calculi). The two codes seem very similar. Does code 47554 include the lithotripsy/stone destruction when done? And can code 47544 be used when done with choledochoscopy? Our scenario is a choledochoscopic lithotripsy through the sheath with a biliary drain exchange.
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