2025 CPT code 44701

Intraoperative colonic lavage.

This code is an add-on code and should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.Refer to current CPT guidelines for modifier usage.

Medical necessity is established by the need for the primary procedure (colectomy or perforation repair) during which the lavage is performed as an adjunct.

During a partial or total colectomy or repair of a large intestine perforation, the surgeon irrigates the colon with saline until the returning fluid is clear.

IMPORTANT (Use 44701 in conjunction with 44140, 44145, 44150, or 44604 as appropriate) (Do not report 44701 in conjunction with 44950-44960)

In simple words: During a surgery on the large intestine, the surgeon washes out the colon with a saline solution until the fluid comes back out clear.

The provider performs an intraoperative colonic lavage, washing out the colon until the irrigating fluid returns clear. This procedure is performed during a primary procedure such as a colectomy (partial or total excision of the large intestine) or the repair of a large intestine perforation.The provider inserts tubing into the cecum and irrigates the colon with normal saline until clear fluid returns, then completes the primary procedure.

Example 1: A patient undergoes a partial colectomy for colon cancer. Intraoperative colonic lavage (44701) is performed to clear the remaining bowel of fecal matter., A patient presents with a perforated colon due to diverticulitis. During the surgical repair, the surgeon performs intraoperative colonic lavage (44701)., A patient with Crohn's disease requires a total colectomy.The surgeon performs intraoperative colonic lavage (44701) during the procedure.

Documentation should support the performance of the lavage, its purpose related to the primary procedure (colectomy or perforation repair), and the method used.

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