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Gastroenterology Coding Alert

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Prepare To Report 43247 When Peeking Into Upper GI Tract

Published on Wed Jul 28, 2010

Question:I'm not sure if the physician did an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) by removing several FBs from the esophagus, pushing them into the stomach. Does this qualify 43247 or should I bill 43215? Arizona SubscriberAnswer:This should qualify for a 43247 (Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy; with removal of foreign body) to indicate an endoscopy to the stomach was performed. Code 43215 (Dilation of esophagus, single or multiple passes) is only for the esophagus. For diagnoses, you should use 935.2 (Foreign body in stomach) as the primary.Fact: Upper GI endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses a scope to look inside the upper part of the digestive system. It also allows your doctor to diagnose and, in some cases, treat problems. This procedure is also known as EGD.
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