2025 CPT code 74250
Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Radiology Procedures > Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Procedures Feed
Radiologic examination, small intestine, including multiple serial images and scout abdominal radiograph(s), when performed; single-contrast (e.g., barium) study.
Modifiers 26, 52, 53, 76, 77, 79, TC, and others may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the service provided.
Medical necessity for 74250 is established when the procedure is performed to evaluate signs and symptoms suggestive of small bowel pathology, such as abdominal pain, weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or suspected obstructions. The documentation should clearly support the clinical rationale for the procedure.
With the patient appropriately prepared and usually sedated, the provider places the patient in the prone position. The provider may acquire one or more scout films of the abdomen prior to intubation and contrast administration. Using fluoroscopic guidance, the provider inserts a tube through the patient’s nose or mouth and throat and then into the stomach and the beginning of the small bowel. The provider then administers a contrast such as barium and takes multiple X-ray films to image all the loops of the small bowel as the contrast flows through the bowel. They also observe the flow of barium via fluoroscopy.
In simple words: This procedure involves taking X-rays of your small intestine using a barium contrast solution.A tube is inserted through your nose or mouth to deliver the barium, and multiple X-rays are taken to visualize the flow of barium through your small intestine.
The provider takes X-rays of the small intestine after infusing single-contrast barium through a tube passed through the nose or mouth, down the throat, and into the duodenum or small intestine. The service also includes a scout film taken before the contrast is instilled, if performed, and sequential X-ray exposures after the instillation of the contrast.
Example 1: A patient presents with chronic abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss. To evaluate for small bowel disorders such as Crohn's disease or strictures, a single-contrast small bowel follow-through (74250) is ordered., A patient experiences intermittent episodes of nausea, vomiting, and bloating. A single-contrast small bowel follow-through (74250) is performed to assess for potential obstructions or motility issues within the small intestine., Following surgical intervention for a small bowel obstruction, a single-contrast small bowel follow-through (74250) is conducted to evaluate the post-surgical anatomy and ensure proper function of the small intestine.
Documentation should include relevant clinical history, reason for the examination, type of contrast used, findings observed during fluoroscopy, interpretation of the radiographic images, and any complications encountered.
** Scout abdominal radiograph(s), if performed, are included in 74250. This code represents a single-contrast study using barium or similar contrast material.
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is applicable when only the technical component of the procedure is provided.
- Specialties:Radiology, Gastroenterology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital, and other facilities where radiologic services are provided.