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Question: What is esophageal manometry and how do we code it?

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Answer: A gastrointestinal (GI) physician performs esophageal manometry to evaluate the patient’s esophagus for neuromuscular disorders. Providers use the studies to assess esophageal functions, and the test might be ordered and performed prior to recommending an anti-reflux surgical treatment.

Look for manometry nasal catheter and pressure readings in the medical record or operative note to identify an esophageal manometry procedure. You’ll assign 91010 (Esophageal motility (manometric study of the esophagus and/or gastroesophageal junction) study with interpretation and report) to report the procedure.

If the gastroenterologist administers a medication stimulant during the motility studies, then you’ll also report the add-on code +91013 (… with stimulation or perfusion (eg, stimulant, acid or alkali perfusion) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)) with 91010.

Your gastroenterologist can also perform pH monitoring to evaluate a patient for suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The test typically monitors the patient over 24 hours via a pH probe the provider places through a nasal catheter. For a pH monitoring service, you’ll assign 91034 (Esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux test; with nasal catheter pH electrode(s) placement, recording, analysis and interpretation).

Mike Shaughnessy, BA, CPC, Development Editor, AAPC