2025 CPT code 44005
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Surgery - Incision Procedures Surgical Procedures on the Intestines (Except Rectum) Feed
Enterolysis (freeing of intestinal adhesions) as a separate procedure.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.For example, modifier 51 (multiple procedures) may be used if other procedures are performed during the same surgical session, while modifier 22 (increased procedural services) may be used if additional services are provided exceeding the usual scope of the procedure.Consult the CPT manual and other payer-specific guidelines for appropriate modifier application.
Medical necessity for enterolysis is established by the presence of symptomatic adhesions causing pain, obstruction, or other clinically significant impairment of bowel function. Documentation must support the need for the procedure based on the patient's clinical presentation and the severity of the symptoms.
The surgeon is responsible for prepping the patient, making the incision, identifying and releasing adhesions, controlling bleeding, and closing the incision.Anesthesia and other supporting roles may be performed by other medical personnel.
In simple words: This code represents a surgical operation to release scar tissue (adhesions) that can form in the intestines after surgery or injury.The surgeon makes an incision, removes the scar tissue, and closes the incision. This helps relieve pain and prevent blockages in the digestive system.
This CPT code, 44005, describes the surgical procedure of enterolysis, which involves the freeing of intestinal adhesions.Adhesions are fibrous bands that form between tissues and organs, often as a result of prior surgery, trauma, or pelvic inflammatory disease. These adhesions can cause pain and potentially obstruct the digestive tract. The procedure typically involves a midline abdominal incision, retraction of tissues for better visualization, and lysis of adhesions using a combination of sharp and blunt dissection.Hemostasis is ensured, instruments are removed, and the incision is closed in layers.Note that this code is designated as a separate procedure and should not be reported in conjunction with 45136. For laparoscopic approaches, code 44180 is used instead.
Example 1: A patient presents post-abdominal surgery with symptoms of bowel obstruction secondary to adhesions.Enterolysis is performed to relieve the obstruction., A patient has chronic abdominal pain secondary to adhesions following a previous pelvic inflammatory disease episode.Enterolysis is performed to alleviate the pain., During a laparotomy for another abdominal condition (e.g., appendectomy), significant adhesions are encountered and lysed as part of the overall procedure. This would be bundled with the primary procedure and not billed separately under 44005.If this was the primary reason for the laparotomy, 44005 could be billed as the primary procedure.
* Preoperative diagnosis clearly indicating presence and location of adhesions and related symptoms.* Operative report detailing the type and extent of adhesions, methods of lysis, and intraoperative findings.* Postoperative progress notes documenting patient recovery and resolution of symptoms.* Anesthesia records.
** The information provided is for guidance only. Always refer to the most current CPT manual and payer-specific guidelines for accurate coding and reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- RVU: Information not available in provided sources.Refer to CMS or other payer-specific resources for RVU and reimbursement data.
- Global Days: Information not available in provided sources.The global period will vary depending on payer and specific circumstances.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Information not available in provided sources. Consult the CPT manual and payer-specific guidelines for information about Technical Component modifiers.
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in provided sources.
- Specialties:General Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient