Wiki Anti Reflux Mucosal Ablation (ARMA)

[chaskins]

What is the best way to code the ARMA procedure (Anti Reflux Mucosal Ablation)?

I have done little with GI coding with EGD's and am looking for advice.

 

[nsteinhauser]

Can you post the op note (with ppi redacted)?
Without an op note, I was looking at 43257 if the doctor used an EGD/scope to perform this. If coding pro fee, use a -52 or -52 modifier if doc didn't advance the scope all the way to the duodenum. If coding fac fee, use a -52 or -74. Sometimes when a Gastroenterologist is doing scope work only on the esophagus or stomach, there's no need to advance the scope to the duodenum.
There is a 43229 for esophagoscopy (not advancing beyond esophagus/stomach) with ablation but I think it's pretty specific for ablation of tumors, polyps, lesions. That wouldn't fit because the ARMA isn't for lesions, etc.
Hope that helps.

 

[chaskins]

Can you post the op note (with ppi redacted)?
Without an op note, I was looking at 43257 if the doctor used an EGD/scope to perform this. If coding pro fee, use a -52 or -52 modifier if doc didn't advance the scope all the way to the duodenum. If coding fac fee, use a -52 or -74. Sometimes when a Gastroenterologist is doing scope work only on the esophagus or stomach, there's no need to advance the scope to the duodenum.
There is a 43229 for esophagoscopy (not advancing beyond esophagus/stomach) with ablation but I think it's pretty specific for ablation of tumors, polyps, lesions. That wouldn't fit because the ARMA isn't for lesions, etc.
Hope that helps.

Thanks, yes, this does help.