47531 Injection for cholangiogram
Also known as: Percutaneous cholangiogram, transhepatic cholangiogram
Injection of contrast material into the biliary tree through a percutaneous catheter to visualize the bile ducts and hepatic ducts on cholangiogram (X-ray imaging).
In Plain Language
Injecting dye into bile ducts to take X-ray pictures
Clinical Context
Diagnostic procedure for evaluating biliary obstruction, strictures, or bile leak. Often performed as first step in percutaneous biliary drainage procedures.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.27 |
| Total RVU | 1.27 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.27, this code ranks in the 7th percentile among Surgery codes — 6.3x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 47531?
CPT 47531 (Injection for cholangiogram) is a Surgery code. Injection of contrast material into the biliary tree through a percutaneous catheter to visualize the bile ducts and hepatic ducts on cholangiogram (X-ray imaging).
What is the wRVU value for CPT 47531?
The work RVU for CPT 47531 is 1.27. This code is primarily used by Interventional Radiology, Hepatobiliary Surgery.
When is CPT 47531 used?
Diagnostic procedure for evaluating biliary obstruction, strictures, or bile leak. Often performed as first step in percutaneous biliary drainage procedures.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.