Exam CPC Topic 3 Question 82 Discussion

1. Procedure and CPTCode Selection:
The patient underwent a needle biopsy of the liver using CT guidance to obtain two core biopsy samples.
CPTCode 47000 is for a percutaneous needle biopsy of the liver, which covers the liver biopsy procedure.
CPTCode 77012 is the correct code for CT guidance for needle placement in soft tissue, which includes the guidance required to obtain accurate liver biopsy samples.
2. Rationale for Excluding Other Options:
Code 47001 in option A is an add-on code for a liver biopsy performed during another procedure (such as a laparoscopic or open procedure) and is not applicable in this case, as 47000 is sufficient for a percutaneous approach.
Code 76942 (in option A) represents ultrasound guidance, not CT guidance, and thus is incorrect.
Code 77002 (in option B) is used for fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement, which is not applicable since CT guidance was used.
Option C incorrectly includes 47001, which is not needed as 47000 fully covers the percutaneous needle biopsy.
3. AAPC and CPTCoding Guidelines:
According to AAPC guidelines, 47000 is used for percutaneous liver biopsies, and 77012 should be reported for CT guidance for needle placement in the liver.
Therefore, the correct answer is D. 47000, 77012.