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2025 CPT code 44300

Open placement of an enterostomy or cecostomy tube for feeding or decompression; this is considered a separate procedure.

This is a separate procedure and should not be reported if performed as an integral part of another procedure.Follow CPT guidelines for accurate coding.

Modifiers 50, 51, 52, 59, 78, 79 may be applicable depending on circumstances. Consult CPT guidelines for appropriate use.

Medical necessity is established based on the patient's clinical condition. For example, bowel obstruction, severe malnutrition requiring enteral feeding, or the need for bowel rest after extensive bowel surgery. Documentation must clearly support the need for the procedure.

The surgeon is responsible for pre-operative preparation, anesthesia administration, making incisions, creating openings in the intestine and abdominal wall, placing and securing the tube, ensuring hemostasis, removing instruments, and closing the incision. Postoperative care may be handled by other care providers.

IMPORTANT Do not report 44300 with 44701 (cannulation of the colon for intraoperative colonic lavage).For percutaneous placement (using imaging guidance), see 49441-49442.

In simple words: The doctor makes an opening in the belly and inserts a tube into the small or large intestine to help with feeding or relieve gas buildup. This is a separate surgery.

This CPT code, 44300, describes the open surgical placement of a tube into the small intestine (enterostomy) or cecum (cecostomy) to create an external opening (stoma).The procedure is performed to facilitate feeding or to relieve built-up gas pressure in patients with intestinal obstructions. The surgeon makes an abdominal incision, identifies the target area (small intestine or cecum), creates an opening, and inserts a tube, securing it with stitches. A separate stab incision is made to bring the tube to the body's surface. Hemostasis is ensured, instruments are removed, and the initial incision is closed, leaving the stoma open.

Example 1: A patient with a bowel obstruction requiring decompression via cecostomy tube placement., A patient with Crohn's disease needing a jejunostomy tube for long-term nutritional support., A patient who has undergone extensive bowel resection and requires a temporary enterostomy for bowel rest and healing.

** Accurate coding requires detailed documentation of the procedure and the clinical rationale for its performance.Always refer to the latest CPT codebook and payer guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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