2025 CPT code 44372
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Endoscopic Small Intestine Procedures Surgery Feed
Small intestinal endoscopy, extending beyond the duodenum's second part but not reaching the ileum, inclusive of percutaneous jejunostomy tube placement.
Modifiers may be applicable based on the circumstances.Consult the CPT and payer guidelines for appropriate modifier usage (e.g., 59 for distinctly separate procedures, 22 for increased procedural services).
Medical necessity is established by the need for nutritional support due to inability to ingest food orally secondary to esophageal or gastric disease or post-surgical complications, as determined by clinical evaluation.
The physician's responsibilities include performing the endoscopic examination of the small intestine, placing the jejunostomy tube, and providing appropriate post-procedure care.
In simple words: The doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light to look inside the small intestine.Then, they insert a feeding tube through the same tube into the small intestine and bring it out through a small cut in the belly. This allows for providing nutrition, typically helping the esophagus or stomach heal after illness or surgery.
This procedure involves using a flexible endoscope to visualize the small intestine, specifically from the duodenum's second portion to the jejunum (excluding the ileum).A percutaneous jejunostomy tube is then inserted through the endoscope into the jejunum and exteriorized through a stab incision in the abdomen. This allows for nutritional support, often aiding in the healing of the esophagus or stomach following disease or prior surgery.
Example 1: A patient with severe esophageal stricture requiring nutritional support undergoes 44372 for jejunostomy tube placement to facilitate nutritional intake during healing., Following a complex esophageal surgery, a patient requires long-term nutritional support.44372 is performed to place a jejunostomy tube for this purpose., A patient with Crohn's disease and significant small bowel inflammation is evaluated with 44372 to assess the extent of disease and place a jejunostomy tube for nutritional support.
Complete procedural notes detailing the extent of the endoscopy (distance beyond the pylorus), confirmation of jejunostomy tube placement, and images from the procedure should be included. Pre-operative and post-operative assessments are also required.
** The successful placement of the jejunostomy tube is essential for proper coding.If placement is unsuccessful, a different code may be necessary. Always refer to the most recent CPT guidelines and payer-specific policies for accurate coding and reimbursement.
- RVU: Refer to the CMS national physician fee schedule for current RVU values and conversion factors.RVUs vary based on geographic location and practice setting (facility versus non-facility).
- Global Days: The global period for this procedure varies depending on payer and local policies; consult your payer's guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The technical component (TC) modifier may be applicable, particularly if the physician did not perform all aspects of the procedure. Check with payer specifications for local rules.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedules vary by payer and geographical location.Refer to archival data from relevant payers for detailed information.
- Specialties:Gastroenterology, General Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital