Ask Dr. Z

Our radiologist performed a CT-guided needle localization of perihepatic gallstones. The patient then went to the OR for surgical removal. Is there a good CPT code for this, or would we use unlisted liver code 47399? From the report: "The patient was placed in the supine position in the CT gantry. An appropriate skin entry site was chosen to access the extrahepatic inflammatory collection with associated extraluminal gallstone. The skin was prepped and draped in standard sterile fashion. Standard timeout was performed, and Universal protocol policy steps were completed for the procedure. 1% lidocaine was used for anesthesia. A 10 cm Hawkins needle was advanced into the appropriate position. A needle localization wire was deployed coaxially through the needle, and the needle was removed. Permanent CT images were obtained for the medical record. Technically successful CT-guided percutaneous needle localization of perihepatic inflammatory phlegmon with associated gallstone."