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Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Exchange Feeding Tubes, and Get Paid with 44372

Published on Wed Jul 28, 2010

Question:I need help with the CPT for the removal and replacement of a clogged transgastric jejunal feeding tube. Should I use 44372 even though the physician doesn't dictate going beyond the second portion of the duodenum? I think it's understood that the physician has to enter the small intestine in order to place a jejunal feeding tube, but I may be wrong. What should I report?Hawaii SubscriberAnswer:You've got the right choice. Report 44372 (Endoscopy, small intestine and stomal with placement of percutaneous jejunostomy tube). To clarify, it is not necessary to go past the duodenum to replace the clogged tube. All the gastroenterologist has to do is to maneuver the tube into the proximal duodenum past the pylorus, or maybe the second portion of the duodenum. The motility of the GI tract will do the rest to propel the tube deeper into the small intestine.
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