A Guide to Common CPT Codes Used in Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that deals with the digestive system and its disorders. Physicians and healthcare professionals in this specialty use specific codes to bill for their services. In this article, we will provide an overview of the most common Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes used in gastroenterology.
CPT Codes for Diagnostic Procedures
Diagnostic procedures are used to identify or diagnose a specific condition. Here are some of the most common diagnostic CPT codes used in gastroenterology:
45378 — Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, with or without colon decompression (separate procedure) 43239 — Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy including esophagus, stomach, and either the duodenum and/or jejunum as appropriate; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing 45380 — Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; with biopsy, single or multiple 45381 — Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) by hot biopsy forceps or bipolar cautery 43235 — Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed
CPT Codes for Therapeutic Procedures
Therapeutic procedures are used to treat a specific condition or disorder. Here are some of the most common therapeutic CPT codes used in gastroenterology:
45385 — Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; with ablation of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) (includes pre- and post-dilation and guide wire passage, when performed) 43246 — Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP); diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed (separate procedure) 45384 — Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) by snare technique 43249 — Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with dilation of esophagus, pylorus, and/or duodenum, when performed
CPT Codes for Endoscopic Procedures
Endoscopic procedures involve the use of an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera on the end, to view the inside of the digestive tract. Here are some of the most common endoscopic CPT codes used in gastroenterology:
45330 — Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed 45331 — Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with biopsy, single or multiple 45332 — Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) by snare technique 45334 — Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with ablation of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) (includes pre- and post-dilation and guide wire passage, when performed)
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the most commonly used CPT codes in gastroenterology is essential for physicians and healthcare professionals in this specialty. Accurately documenting and billing for services using these codes ensures that patients receive proper care and that providers receive fair reimbursement for their services. If you need additional information about these codes or how they are used, please consult with your healthcare provider or
