Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Question: How do I code for fecal transplants?

Answer: You should use the unlisted code 44799 (Unlisted procedure, intestine) because no code exists for a fecal transplant. Fecal transplant is known for other terms such as fecal bacteriotherapy, fecal transfusion or human probiotic transfusion. Physicians perform fecal transplant to hopefully restore normal bacteria in the colon to treat recurrent c-diff colitis. The feces used in the "transplant" is most often donated by a relative.

Code at your own risk: If the insurer accepts 44799, you will likely receive your deserved claim money. If you're coding to get paid by Medicare, forget about profiting from 44799. Medicare does not even assign relative value units to this CPT, so it's unlikely Medicare will accept the claim.