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Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

ERCP Getting Complicated? Dial 43269

Published on Fri Nov 05, 2004

Question: The physician performed an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) on a patient on Monday. The stent occluded on Thursday, and the physician had to cannulate the stent with a catheter, remove the blockage and reposition the stent. Now it's Friday, and I'm not sure which code to report. Do you have any suggestions?

Maryland Subscriber

Answer: Fear not. CPT has designed a code for times when complications arise from stent placement during an ERCP.

When the gastroenterologist has to reposition a stent on a prior ERCP, you should report 43269 (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography  [ERCP]; with endoscopic retrograde removal of foreign body and/or change of tube or stent).
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