47700 Exploration of bile ducts
Also known as: Bile duct exploration, choledochotomy, intraoperative exploration
Surgical exploration of the common bile duct (choledochotomy) to visualize anatomy, remove stones, or assess for pathology during abdominal surgery.
In Plain Language
Opening the main bile duct to look inside
Clinical Context
Performed to confirm bile duct patency, remove stones missed preoperatively, or assess for strictures. Allows direct visualization and intervention.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 16.09 |
| Total RVU | 16.09 |
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 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 16.09, this code ranks in the 75th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.0x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 47700?
CPT 47700 (Exploration of bile ducts) is a Surgery code. Surgical exploration of the common bile duct (choledochotomy) to visualize anatomy, remove stones, or assess for pathology during abdominal surgery.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 47700?
The work RVU for CPT 47700 is 16.09. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 47700 used?
Performed to confirm bile duct patency, remove stones missed preoperatively, or assess for strictures. Allows direct visualization and intervention.
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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.