2025 CPT code 44500
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Surgery - Introduction Procedures Surgical Procedures on the Intestines (Except Rectum) Feed
Placement of a long gastrointestinal tube (e.g., Miller-Abbott tube) as a separate procedure.
Modifiers 22 (Increased Procedural Services), 52 (Reduced Services), and possibly others may apply depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure.Refer to the NCCI edits for guidance.
Medical necessity for CPT code 44500 is established when a patient presents with clinical signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction and the placement of a long gastrointestinal tube is deemed medically necessary for decompression and symptom relief.Documentation should support the diagnosis of obstruction and the necessity of this interventional procedure.
The clinical responsibility includes inserting the gastrointestinal tube, ensuring proper placement (potentially using imaging guidance), aspirating fluids and air to relieve obstruction, monitoring the patient's response, and discharging the patient after appropriate observation.
In simple words: The doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube through the nose or mouth into the small intestine to remove fluid and air, relieving a blockage.
This CPT code 44500 represents the introduction of a long gastrointestinal tube, such as a Miller-Abbott tube, into the gastrointestinal tract.The procedure involves inserting a flexible tube with two channels and a balloon tip through the nose or mouth, advancing it to the small intestine. One channel is used to aspirate fluids and air to relieve intestinal obstruction, while the other may be used for irrigation or medication administration.Fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance may be employed to confirm placement. The procedure may be performed with or without sedation.This code is reported as a separate procedure; radiological supervision and interpretation, if performed, are coded separately (CPT 74340).
Example 1: A patient presents with a small bowel obstruction due to adhesions following previous abdominal surgery. The physician inserts a Miller-Abbott tube to decompress the bowel and relieve symptoms., A patient with paralytic ileus post-operative from abdominal surgery requires bowel decompression. The physician places a gastrointestinal tube under fluoroscopic guidance to relieve the obstruction and drain accumulated fluid and gas., A patient experiencing symptoms consistent with a bowel obstruction is admitted to the hospital. After a diagnostic workup, the physician decides to place a long gastrointestinal tube to decompress the bowel and manage the obstruction, with continuous monitoring of the tube drainage.
* Detailed history and physical examination documenting the indication for the procedure (e.g., symptoms of bowel obstruction).* Documentation of the type of tube used (e.g., Miller-Abbott).* Confirmation of tube placement using imaging techniques (e.g., fluoroscopy, ultrasound).* Record of the amount and character of aspirated fluid and air.* Post-procedure assessment of the patient's condition.* Discharge instructions.
** Always refer to the most current CPT codebook and payer guidelines for the most up-to-date information on coding, reimbursement, and modifiers.Proper documentation is crucial for accurate coding and successful claim processing.
- Revenue Code: P6C (Minor Procedures - Other)
- RVU: The RVUs for CPT code 44500 vary depending on geographic location, facility type, and other factors. Consult your local Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) or other payer's fee schedule for the most up-to-date values.
- Global Days: The global period for this procedure is not explicitly defined in the provided data.It likely depends on the specific circumstances and the payer's policies.Further research based on payer guidelines is required to determine the length.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.The procedure is not typically divided into professional and technical components.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedule information is not available in the provided data. Consult your local Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) or other payer's fee schedule for historical fee data.
- Specialties:Gastroenterology, General Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center