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Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

G-Tube Supplies Might Require DME Number

Published on Fri Feb 20, 2004

Question: Do we need a durable medical equipment (DME) number to bill gastrostomy tube replacements done in an office setting?

Pennsylvania Subscriber
 
Answer: Radiology practices should report 43760 (Change of gastrostomy tube) for a gastrostomy tube change. You do not need a DME number to report 43760, but you may need a DME number to bill for the cost of the tube.

If you perform the G-tube change either at a freestanding center or at a hospital, your carrier probably won't allow you to report the tube supply (B4086, (Gastrostomy/jejunostomy tube, any material, any type [standard or low profile], each) separately without a DME number. The good news is that the reimbursement may cover the supply costs anyway, assuming that the code you report has a nonfacility practice expense RVU. (For office procedures, report the nonfacility designation.)
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