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Official Description

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP); with removal of calculi/debris from biliary/pancreatic duct(s)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a specialized medical procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions related to the biliary and pancreatic ducts. This procedure is particularly focused on the removal of calculi, or stones, from these ducts. During an ERCP, a flexible endoscope is inserted through the patient's mouth, passing through the esophagus and stomach, and into the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. The procedure targets the ampulla of Vater, where the pancreatic duct and common bile duct converge. By cannulating this area, healthcare professionals can inject contrast dye into the ducts, allowing for detailed imaging via X-rays to visualize any obstructions or abnormalities. The removal of stones or debris is a critical aspect of this procedure. Once the ducts are visualized, various techniques can be employed to extract the stones. This may involve the use of a balloon catheter, which is maneuvered past the stone, inflated, and then withdrawn to extract the stone. Alternatively, a basket extraction technique may be utilized, where a specialized device captures the stone and is then slowly retracted. In cases where stones cannot be removed intact, methods for destruction are also available, including mechanical crushing or the use of electrohydraulic or laser lithotripsy to fragment the stones for easier removal. Overall, ERCP is a vital procedure for managing conditions affecting the biliary and pancreatic systems, providing both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with removal of calculi or debris is indicated for various conditions affecting the biliary and pancreatic ducts. These indications include:

  • Cholelithiasis The presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or biliary tract, which may cause obstruction or inflammation.
  • Choledocholithiasis The presence of stones in the common bile duct, leading to potential complications such as jaundice or pancreatitis.
  • Pancreatitis Inflammation of the pancreas, which may be caused by obstructive stones in the pancreatic duct.
  • Biliary Obstruction Blockage of the bile ducts due to stones, strictures, or tumors, necessitating intervention to restore bile flow.
  • Cholangitis Infection of the bile duct system, often associated with obstruction, requiring urgent intervention to remove the source of blockage.

2. Procedure

The procedure of ERCP with removal of calculi or debris involves several critical steps to ensure effective diagnosis and treatment. The following procedural steps are performed:

  • Step 1: Endoscope Insertion A flexible endoscope is carefully inserted through the patient's mouth, advancing through the esophagus and stomach until it reaches the duodenum. This allows access to the ampulla of Vater, where the pancreatic duct and common bile duct meet.
  • Step 2: Cannulation and Contrast Injection A smaller catheter is introduced through the endoscope to cannulate the ampulla of Vater. Once cannulated, contrast dye is injected into the biliary and pancreatic ducts, enabling visualization of the ducts on X-ray imaging.
  • Step 3: Visualization X-rays are taken immediately after the contrast dye is injected, allowing the healthcare provider to assess the anatomy of the biliary tract, gallbladder, and pancreas for any obstructions or abnormalities.
  • Step 4: Removal of Calculi or Debris If calculi or debris are identified, a balloon catheter is inserted and maneuvered past the stone. The balloon is inflated, and as it is slowly withdrawn, the stone is extracted. Alternatively, a basket extraction device may be used, where the stone is trapped within the basket and withdrawn.
  • Step 5: Destruction of Calculi (if necessary) If removal of the stone intact is not possible, a catheter is advanced over a guidewire to the site of the gallstone. Mechanical destruction may be performed using a crushing basket device, or electrohydraulic or laser lithotripsy may be employed to fragment the stone for easier removal.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the ERCP procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or pancreatitis. Recovery may involve observation in a healthcare setting until the patient is stable. Patients may experience mild discomfort or soreness in the throat due to the endoscope insertion. It is essential to provide post-procedure instructions, including dietary modifications and signs of complications that should prompt immediate medical attention. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the patient's recovery and any further treatment needs.

Short Descr ERCP REMOVE DUCT CALCULI
Medium Descr ERCP REMOVE CALCULI/DEBRIS BILIARY/PANCREAS DUCT
Long Descr Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP); with removal of calculi/debris from biliary/pancreatic duct(s)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 3 - Special payment adjustment rules for multiple endoscopic procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Endoscopic Base Code 43260  Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP); diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed (separate procedure)
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P8B - Endoscopy - upper gastrointestinal
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 82 - Endoscopic retrograde cannulation of pancreas (ERCP)

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

0397T Addon Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N ASC N1 Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), with optical endomicroscopy (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
43273 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Endoscopic cannulation of papilla with direct visualization of pancreatic/common bile duct(s) (List separately in addition to code(s) for primary procedure)
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
AG Primary physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AM Physician, team member service
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
PT Colorectal cancer screening test; converted to diagnostic test or other procedure
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q5 Service furnished under a reciprocal billing arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
X2 Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
Date
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2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2014-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2002-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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