2025 CPT code 44370
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Digestive System Surgery Feed
Small intestinal endoscopy, beyond the second part of the duodenum, excluding the ileum; with transendoscopic stent placement (includes predilation).
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure. Consult the CPT manual for specific modifier guidelines.
Medical necessity for 44370 is established when a patient presents with clinical symptoms and imaging findings consistent with small bowel obstruction or strictures that significantly impact nutrient absorption or cause bowel obstruction. This procedure may be medically necessary when less invasive measures have failed.
The physician is responsible for performing the endoscopic procedure, including the visualization of the small intestine, dilation of any strictures or narrowing, and the placement of the stent.This may involve using imaging guidance to ensure proper placement and dilation. Pre-operative and post-operative care is also the responsibility of the physician.
In simple words: The doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) to examine the small intestine, going past the first part. If there's a narrow area, they widen it and place a small tube (stent) to keep it open.
This CPT code encompasses small intestinal endoscopy (enteroscopy) performed beyond the second portion of the duodenum but not extending into the ileum.The procedure involves the use of a flexible endoscope to visualize the small intestine.It includes transendoscopic stent placement, which requires predilation of a narrowed area of the intestine to facilitate stent insertion. The stent is placed to maintain patency and improve the passage of food.
Example 1: A patient presents with symptoms of small bowel obstruction.Endoscopy reveals a stricture in the jejunum. The physician performs 44370 to dilate the stricture and place a stent., A patient with Crohn's disease has recurrent strictures in the jejunum.The physician performs 44370 to place a self-expanding metal stent., A patient with a history of abdominal surgery presents with symptoms suggestive of an anastomotic stricture. Endoscopy reveals a stricture in the jejunum. The physician uses 44370 to perform dilation and stent placement.
* Complete history and physical examination.* Indication for the procedure.* Findings during endoscopy, including the location and length of the stenosis.* Type and size of stent used.* Pre-operative and post-operative diagnoses.* Any complications encountered during the procedure.* Operative report detailing the procedure.
** Antegrade transoral small intestinal endoscopy (enteroscopy) is defined by the most distal segment of small intestine that is examined.Codes 44360, 44361, 44363, 44364, 44365, 44366, 44369, 44370, 44372, 44373 are endoscopic procedures to visualize the esophagus through the jejunum using an antegrade approach. Codes 44376, 44377, 44378, 44379 are endoscopic procedures to visualize the esophagus through the ileum using an antegrade approach.
- Revenue Code: P8I
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided source.RVUs are subject to change and vary based on geographic location and payer.
- Global Days: This information is not provided in the source. Global periods vary depending on the specific procedure and payer guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The provided information does not specify whether a technical component (TC) modifier applies.
- Fee Schedule: This information is not available in the provided source. Historical fee schedules are subject to change and vary based on payer and geographic location.
- Specialties:Gastroenterology, Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Office