47564 Laparoscopic cholecystectomy Medicare reimbursement rates in Iowa

A surgeon uses a laparoscope to remove the gallbladder and also explores the common bile duct during the operation. Exploration may be performed when duct stones are suspected or identified, such as in a patient with biliary obstruction or choledocholithiasis. This procedure is generally performed in a hospital operating room by a general surgeon or another surgeon qualified to perform biliary surgery.

Select this code when the operative report supports both laparoscopic gallbladder removal and common duct exploration; gallbladder removal alone or removal with cholangiography alone points to a different code. Document the findings and the exploration performed, including any duct-stone management. Medicare assigns a 90-day global period, including the day-before preoperative visit and related postoperative care for 90 days. When multiple procedures are performed in the same session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and other procedures are subject to the standard 50% reduction. Modifier 50 is inappropriate. An assistant at surgery may be paid; co-surgeon payment requires supporting documentation, and team surgery is not permitted.