In simple words: This code covers the doctor's work in using X-ray or other imaging to guide the placement of a balloon to open up a blockage in your esophagus or digestive tract.

This code represents the physician's supervision and interpretation of radiological imaging during a procedure to dilate a stricture or obstruction in the esophagus or other areas within the gastrointestinal tract.It involves the use of imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy, to ensure the safe and effective placement and manipulation of a balloon dilator.The procedure aims to widen the narrowed area and restore normal passage of food and liquids.

Example 1: A patient with difficulty swallowing due to an esophageal stricture undergoes dilation, and code 74360 is reported for the radiologist’s supervision and interpretation of the fluoroscopic imaging., A patient with a blockage in the small intestine requires dilation under radiological guidance. The radiologist's supervision and interpretation of the imaging are billed using 74360., A patient with a benign esophageal stricture undergoes balloon dilation, where a physician uses a flexible endoscope and a balloon dilator with intermittent fluoroscopic guidance to dilate the stricture. The radiologist reports 74360 for supervision and interpretation.

Documentation should include details of the stricture or obstruction, the method of dilation used, the radiological imaging performed (e.g., fluoroscopy), and the physician's interpretation of the images.

** For services paid under the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS), Medicare does not pay hospitals separately for supervision and interpretation codes considered ancillary to the primary service.It is crucial to refer to updated coding guidelines and fee schedules to avoid claim denials, minimize audit risk, and ensure fair reimbursement. The information provided is current as of December 1, 2024.