Learn How to Report an EGD With Stent Exchange Procedure
Question: I have a report for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with a stent removal and stent placement that I need help with. I can’t find any official sources stating that the two services cannot be billed together. I know the CPT® code book has instructions to use one code for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with a stent exchange. How should we code the EGD with stent removal and stent placement? South Carolina Subscriber Answer: You are correct that the CPT® code book includes instructions to use a single code for ERCP with a stent exchange. For example, you’d use 43276 (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP); with removal and exchange of stent(s), biliary or pancreatic duct, including pre- and post-dilation and guide wire passage, when performed, including sphincterotomy, when performed, each stent exchanged) for an ERCP with a stent exchange. However, for your EGD stent removal and stent placement report, you’ll need two codes to report the services. Assign 43247 (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with removal of foreign body(s)) to report the stent removal and use 43266 (… with placement of endoscopic stent (includes pre- and post-dilation and guide wire passage, when performed)) to report the placement of the new stent. Mike Shaughnessy, BA, CPC, Production Editor, AAPC
