Wiki Eus 43259 vs 43237

[salligood]

I have always coded EUS a 43259 if it passes the second part of the duodenum, but 43237 looks like it could fit too. How do you guys code it?

 

[thomas7331]

This question was addressed in the CPT Assistant, January 2016 - they have stated that 43237 applies if only one or two of the regions are examined by US, but not all three (esophagus, stomach, OR duodenum). 43259 requires an US examination of all three (esophagus, stomach, AND either the duodenum or the jejunum distal to an anastomosis). In other words, 43237 is a partial exam whereas 43259 is a complete exam. That is consistent with the CPT code descriptions too.