2025 CPT code 43191
Effective Date: N/A Surgery > Surgical Procedures on the Digestive System Feed
Esophagoscopy, rigid, transoral; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing when performed (separate procedure).
Modifiers may be applicable. Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate usage.
Medical necessity must be established for all coded procedures. This requires documentation supporting a valid medical reason for performing the esophagoscopy, such as symptoms, signs, or diagnostic test results suggesting esophageal disease.
After anesthesia, the physician inserts the rigid scope, inspects the esophagus, and may collect specimens.
In simple words: A rigid scope is inserted through the mouth to examine the esophagus. The procedure may also include collecting a sample of cells for testing.
This code describes a diagnostic procedure involving the insertion of a rigid esophagoscope through the mouth to examine the esophagus. It includes the collection of specimens, if performed, using brushing or washing techniques.It should not be reported with certain other esophagoscopy codes (43192, 43193, 43194, 43195, 43196, 43197, 43198, 43210, 43497).Transnasal esophagoscopy is reported using different codes (43197, 43198), and flexible transoral esophagoscopy uses code 43200.
Example 1: A patient presents with difficulty swallowing. A rigid esophagoscopy is performed to evaluate the esophagus and biopsies are taken via brushing to rule out esophageal cancer., A patient with chronic heartburn undergoes a rigid esophagoscopy to assess for damage to the esophagus and a washing is collected for cytologic examination., A child swallows a small coin. A rigid esophagoscopy is performed to visualize and remove the foreign object. (Note: Removal would be coded separately.)
Documentation should include the indication for the procedure, the type of esophagoscope used (rigid), details of the examination findings, and any specimens collected (brushing or washing).Anesthesia records should also be maintained.
- Revenue Code: P8B
- Specialties:Gastroenterology, Otolaryngology, Thoracic Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Inpatient, Hospital Outpatient, Office