Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Question: The doctor inserted a magnetic band and placed it externally on the external sphincter. How do we report this?

Texas Subscriber

Answer: You will need to use Category III codes for this procedure, as it involves the use of an emerging technology. You may report 0392T (Laparoscopy, surgical, esophageal sphincter augmentation procedure, placement of sphincter augmentation device [i.e. magnetic band]).

While removing the band, you my report 0393T (Removal of esophageal sphincter augmentation device). These codes are useful in conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when the provider chooses to insert or remove an esophageal sphincter augmentation device such as a magnetic band.

Remember: Do not use 0393T with laparoscopic fundoplasty procedures such as 43279 (Laparoscopy, surgical, esophagomyotomy [Heller type], with fundoplasty, when performed), 43280 (Laparoscopy, surgical, esophagogastric fundoplasty [eg, Nissen, Toupet procedures]), 43281 (Laparoscopy, surgical, repair of paraesophageal hernia, includes fundoplasty, when performed; without implantation of mesh), and 43282 (…with implantation of mesh).