Gastroenterology Coding Alert

EGD codes can be difficult to differentiate – use these tips for help.

When it comes to endoscopy coding, most GI coders are adept at identifying the correct code range for EGD services, but differentiating the right code from the list of options can be challenging. Check out this sample op note to determine if you can select the right code.

Operative report:  Informed consent was obtained. The patient was carefully premedicated with a total of 5 mg of Versed intravenously given in careful titration prior to and during the procedure.

The adult fiberoptic gastroscope was passed into the esophagus under direct vision without complications. All areas were carefully examined. The esophagus appeared normal. The GE junction was at approximately 40 cm. There was no endoscopic evidence of Barrett’s esophagus. Multiple 4-quadrant biopsies were obtained. The stomach was examined next. There were superficial ulcerations of the antrum consistent with NSAID ulcerations. Multiple biopsies were obtained. The body of the stomach was normal and retroflexion showed a normal cardia and fundus. Biopsies of the antrum and body of the stomach were obtained for CLO test to assess for H. pylori. The duodenal bulb was normal and the second portion of the duodenum was also normal. The patient tolerated the procedure well without complications.

Evaluate 3 Factors in Note

When coding an upper GI endoscopy, make sure you consider these three factors:

1. How far your gastroenterologist went with the scope (e.g., to the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum);
2. If the physician performed any biopsies or polyp removal, and what technique is used (i.e., cold biopsy, hot biopsy, or snare)
3. The type of dilator used by your physician (if he performed dilation at all).

In this case, the op note clearly states that he examined the patient for signs of Barrett’s esophagus (K22.70 or K22.71-, Barrett’s esophagus…), and took biopsies; examined the stomach, and took biopsies; before she finally examined the duodenum. Thus, you should report the procedure with 43239 (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with biopsy, single or multiple). If the physician only examined the esophagus, you would choose from the esophagus endoscopy code set.

Profit: If the procedure was performed in the office, you should expect to collect $352.08 as the national rate for your claim using 43239. In a facility, you’d collect $146.16 for the service.

Report the primary diagnosis with K25.9 (Gastric ulcer, unspecified as acute or chronic, without hemorrhage or perforation). If you know from the history what medicine the patient used prior to the procedure, you may add Z79.1 (Long-term [current] use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories [NSAID]) as secondary diagnosis.

Never Disregard Biopsy, Polyp Treatment During EGD

It’s important that you are aware of what your gastroenterologist did while performing the EGD on the patient. With biopsies, for instance, keep in mind that no matter how many biopsies a physician takes during the endoscopy, you can only code one procedure (43239 in this case). However, an exception allows you to bill 43238 (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with transendoscopic ultrasound-guided intramural or transmural fine needle aspiration/biopsy[s], [includes endoscopic ultrasound examination limited to the esophagus, stomach or duodenum, and adjacent structures]) if the physician also performed biopsies using ultrasound guided aspiration on a separate anatomical site.

Careful: Don’t mistake collection of samples from performing a biopsy. Physicians sometimes collect samples of fluid or superficial tissue cells (or cytology brushings) during an EGD. This service is included in the base procedure 43235 (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; diagnostic, including collection of specimen[s] by brushing or washing, when performed [separate procedure]). On the other hand, physicians would perform an EGD with biopsy (taking small pieces of tissue) of any abnormality directly through the endoscope of suspected Barrett’s esophagus or duodenal and stomach ulcers.

Sometimes the physician would treat polyps or other lesions during an EGD. You have three CPT® codes to choose from for lesion removals:

• 43250 —  Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) by hot biopsy forceps.
• 43251 — Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) by snare technique
• 43270 — Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with ablation of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) (includes pre- and post-dilation and guide wire passage, when performed).

You can only code one EGD with lesion removal. However, if the physician treats different lesions with different procedures, you could append a modifier such as 59 (Distinct procedural service) to the procedure of lesser value to break the bundle.