General Surgery Coding Alert
Argon Plasma = Control of Bleeding
Question: Our surgeon performed an EGD with Argon plasma coagulation for control of bleeding. What's the appropriate code for this? Answer: You should select 43255 (Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy including esophagus, stomach and either the duodenum and/or jejunum as appropriate; with control of bleeding, any method) for Argon plasma coagulation (APC) during EGD. Code 43255 describes EGD with control of bleeding by any method.
Illinois Subscriber
APC involves using argon gas and electrical current to seal irregular tissue without any direct contact. This technique is useful in treating conditions such as Barrett's esophagus, esophageal cancer, rectal bleeding (post-radiation proctitis) and colonic polyps, among others.
General Surgery Coding Alert
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Argon Plasma = Control of Bleeding
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