Inpatient Facility Coding & Compliance Alert

Reader Question:

Check 43.99 for Ivor-Lewis Esophagogastrectomy

Question: What is the correct procedure code for Ivor-Lewis esophagogastrectomy?


Tennessee Subscriber

Answer: Your best choice is 43.99 (Incision and excision of stomach; other total gastrectomy).

Explanation:  An esophageal resection is the removal of the esophagus, nearby lymph nodes, and sometimes a portion of the stomach. The surgeon then reconnects the remaining part of the esophagus to the stomach. The Ivor-Lewis technique uses a transthoracic approach to the surgery. 

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