Wiki Laparoscopic liver biopsy - I have been getting conflicting

[aclements]

I have been getting conflicting information regarding the coding for a liver biopsy performed at the time of a laparoscopic procedure and am curious as to how everyone is coding for this scenario.

According to the AMA CPT assist December 2007 Page 12, a wedge liver biopsy performed at the time of a lap chole should be coded with 47379 (which is what we currently code).

According to the AAPC webinar for 2013 updates and errors to avoid, if a wedge biopsy is performed use code 47579 and if performed by needle use 47001. However, a note in the coder's lay description states report 47001 when the liver biopsy is performed during an open procedure

According to an article in General Surgery Coding Alert published by The Coding Institute Vol 13#9 laparoscopic liver biopsy should be reported with 47379 regardless of how the surgeon takes the biopsy (needle or wedge), but insurance carriers may differ.

I appreciate any and all advice,
Angie