Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Question: What procedure codes would you use for this patient encounter? The patient was positioned appropriately for an upper endoscopy. A bite block was placed and Olympus videoscope introduced into the oropharynx and, under direct visualization, the esophagus was intubated. There was evidence for four columns of 2-3+ distal esophageal varices, which were bluish and tortuous. Stomach examination revealed 1 Dieulafoy ulcer in the fundus measuring about 0.5 cm. Endoclip was applied locally to this ulcer to achieve hemostasis, although this Dieulafoy lesion was not bleeding at the time of endoscopy. Upper small bowel was within normal limits without any ulcers or mucosal lesions. The scope was then withdrawn and loaded with banding device, and four bands were successfully deployed to distal esophageal varices without any complications. Pennsylvania Subscriber Answer: For procedure codes, you should use 43244 (Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy including esophagus, stomach, and either the duodenum and/or jejunum as [...]