2025 CPT code 44379
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Digestive System Surgery Feed
Small intestinal endoscopy, including the ileum, with transendoscopic stent placement (includes predilation).
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure (e.g., 51 for multiple procedures, 78 for unplanned return to the OR).Consult the CPT manual for specific modifier guidelines.
Medical necessity for 44379 requires clinical evidence of small bowel obstruction or stenosis that significantly impairs the patient's ability to absorb nutrients or maintain bowel function.This may be supported by clinical symptoms, imaging findings, and endoscopic visualization of the stenosis.
The clinical responsibility includes performing the endoscopic procedure, identifying areas of stenosis, performing predilation if needed, and placing a stent to maintain patency. This may involve moderate sedation, local anesthesia administration, and use of imaging guidance for precise placement of the stent. Post-procedure monitoring is also implied.
In simple words: The doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) to examine the small intestine, all the way to the end (ileum). If a blockage is found, they widen the area and place a small tube (stent) to keep it open.
This CPT code encompasses small intestinal endoscopy (enteroscopy) extending to the ileum, incorporating transendoscopic stent placement.The procedure involves visualizing the small bowel, specifically including the ileum, using an antegrade approach via an endoscope.If necessary, the procedure includes predilation of any stenotic areas prior to stent placement to ensure proper stent positioning and patency.Control of bleeding during the same operative session is not separately reported.
Example 1: A 60-year-old male presents with symptoms of small bowel obstruction.Enteroscopy reveals a stricture in the ileum.The physician performs 44379, predilating the stricture and placing a stent., A 45-year-old female with Crohn's disease undergoes enteroscopy to assess for bowel stenosis.A significant stricture is found in the distal ileum, requiring predilation and stent placement (44379)., A 72-year-old patient with recurrent small bowel obstruction is evaluated with enteroscopy.Multiple areas of stenosis are identified, requiring multiple stent placements, coded as 44379.The physician documents the number of stents placed and the locations. The use of fluoroscopy for precise stent placement is documented.
* Detailed operative report describing the endoscopic procedure.* Documentation of the extent of the enteroscopy (including confirmation of reaching the ileum).* Description of any stenotic areas, including their location and dimensions.* Description of any predilation performed, including techniques used.* Detailed description of the stent placement (type of stent, size, location).* Indication for the procedure (symptoms, prior imaging, etc.).* Imaging studies (if used).
** The provided description does not detail whether the stent is temporary or permanent.This information should be clearly documented to ensure accurate coding.
- Revenue Code: P8I (ENDOSCOPY - OTHER)
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided source.Consult the current CPT codebook or a relevant fee schedule for RVU values.
- Global Days: The global period for this procedure is not specified in the provided source.Further research is needed to determine the applicable global period, which would vary depending on payer and other factors.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to this code.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedule information is not included in the provided data. Consult local or national fee schedules for historical reimbursement rates.
- Specialties:Gastroenterology, Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient), Office