Update:
Stick With 47379 for Lap. Liver Bx.
Published on Fri Oct 24, 2008
A recent You Be the Coder ("What Code for Lap Liver Bx," General Surgery Coding Alert, vol. 10, no. 4, pages 27 and 30) advised that you should report 49321 (Laparoscopy, surgical; with biopsy [single or multiple]), rather than an unlisted procedure code, for laparoscopic liver biopsy. The AMA, however, disagrees. The August 2006 CPT Assistant (page 10) instructs coders to select 47379 (Unlisted laparoscopic procedure, liver) to report laparoscopic liver biopsy. The AMA also reminds, "When reporting an unlisted code to describe a procedure or service, it will be necessary to submit supporting documentation - to provide an adequate description, extent and need for the procedure and the time, effort and equipment necessary to provide the service."
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