47537 Removal biliary drainage catheter
Also known as: Catheter removal, drain removal
Percutaneous removal of an existing biliary drainage catheter after the drainage tract has matured and the catheter is no longer needed.
In Plain Language
Taking out the bile duct drainage tube
Clinical Context
Performed after resolution of biliary obstruction or when conversion to internal drainage has been successful and external drainage is no longer required.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.79 |
| Total RVU | 1.79 |
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 1.79, this code ranks in the 12th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.5x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 47537?
CPT 47537 (Removal biliary drainage catheter) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous removal of an existing biliary drainage catheter after the drainage tract has matured and the catheter is no longer needed.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 47537?
The work RVU for CPT 47537 is 1.79. This code is primarily used by Interventional Radiology, Hepatobiliary Surgery.
When is CPT 47537 used?
Performed after resolution of biliary obstruction or when conversion to internal drainage has been successful and external drainage is no longer required.
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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.