Advanced Search

Gastroenterology Coding Alert

PEG Tube Coding:

PEG Tube Removal: Dodge Common Bloopers By Sticking To E/M

Published on Thu May 05, 2011

Find out why 43247 just won't do you any good. If you've asked yourself frequently what CPT® code to use when a physician removes a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube, and haven't found the answer, it's time you set your sights on reporting an E/M service. Fact: You wouldn't code a non-incisional PEG removal done in an office setting because CPT® bundles PEG tube removal into the E/M, according to CPT Assistant . Instead, you would report the procedure with the appropriate E/M code for that visit. E/M Remains Your Best -- and Only -- Selection Suppose your GI surgeon only removes the PEG tube and performs no other procedure. In this case, you can report an outpatient E/M code (99201-99215). You can use 43760 (Change of gastrostomy tube, percutaneous, without imaging or endoscopic guidance) linked with diagnosis code V55.1 (Attention to gastrostomy) if the gastroenterologist removed the PEG tube then placed [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Gastroenterology Coding Alert

View All