2025 CPT code 74248
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Diagnostic Radiology - Small Intestine Follow-Through Radiology Feed
Small bowel follow-through study with multiple serial images; add-on code to be reported with the primary upper GI radiologic examination code.
Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) may be appended, depending on the payer's policy and the services provided.
The medical necessity for a small bowel follow-through is established when there is clinical suspicion of small bowel pathology, such as obstruction, inflammation (Crohn's disease), or tumors.The study should be ordered by a physician and supported by the patient's clinical presentation and history.
The radiologist is responsible for performing the study, interpreting the images, and generating the report. The referring physician is responsible for ordering the test and managing the patient's care based on the findings.
In simple words: This test uses X-rays to take pictures of your small intestine.It's done after an X-ray of your upper digestive system (esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine) and shows more detail about the rest of your small intestine. The doctor will look at the pictures to check for any problems.
This CPT code, 74248, represents a small bowel follow-through (SBFT) study involving the acquisition of multiple serial images of the small intestine.This procedure is an add-on code and should only be reported in conjunction with a primary code for an upper gastrointestinal (GI) radiologic examination (e.g., 74240 or 74246).The study typically follows an upper GI series, continuing imaging beyond the duodenum to visualize the jejunum and ileum.The patient's position may be adjusted during the examination to optimize visualization. The radiologist interprets the images to identify potential pathologies such as tumors, obstructions, or ulcers, and creates a comprehensive report detailing the findings.
Example 1: A patient presents with abdominal pain and suspected small bowel obstruction.An upper GI series is performed, followed by a small bowel follow-through (74248) to visualize the extent of the obstruction., A patient has a history of Crohn's disease and requires serial imaging to monitor disease activity.The small bowel follow-through (74248), in conjunction with an upper GI series, helps assess disease progression., A patient presents with unexplained weight loss and suspected small bowel tumor.An upper GI series and small bowel follow-through (74248) are used to locate and characterize the tumor.
* Physician's order specifying the indication for the study.* Complete patient history, including symptoms and relevant medical conditions.* Imaging report detailing the findings, including the location, size, and nature of any abnormalities.* Relevant images (digital or hardcopy).
** This code is only reported in addition to the primary procedure code for upper gastrointestinal examination.Ensure accurate documentation to support the medical necessity of the procedure.
- Revenue Code: I1F (STANDARD IMAGING - OTHER)
- RVU: Information not available in source.Refer to CMS's current relative value units (RVUs) for this code.
- Global Days: This is an add-on code, and therefore does not have a global period.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (technical component) may apply to the technical aspects of the procedure performed by a facility. The modifier 26 applies to the professional interpretation and report by the radiologist.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule data not provided. Consult a fee schedule database for this information.
- Specialties:Gastroenterology, Radiology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center