How To Use CPT Code 43400

CPT 43400 describes the ligation, or tying off, of dilated blood vessels in the esophagus to prevent rupture and bleeding. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 43400?

CPT 43400 is used to describe the procedure of ligating, or tying off, dilated blood vessels in the esophagus to prevent rupture and bleeding. This code is used when a provider makes an incision in the midline of the chest or abdomen to access the esophagus, identifies the location of the varices, ties off the blood vessels with sutures, and closes the esophagus in layers to ensure hemostasis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 43400 is: ‘Ligation, direct, esophageal varices.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision in the midline of the chest or abdomen to access the esophagus.
2. Once the esophagus is exposed, the provider identifies the location of the dilated blood vessels, known as esophageal varices.
3. The provider then makes an incision to expose the blood vessels.
4. Using sutures, the provider ties off the dilated blood vessels to prevent rupture and bleeding.
5. The provider closes the esophagus in layers to ensure hemostasis.
6. Finally, the provider closes the midline incisions in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 43400 is performed on patients with dilated, ropy veins in the esophagus, known as esophageal varices. These varices are typically related to increased blood pressure in the circulation system of the liver, known as portal hypertension. The procedure is performed to prevent rupture and bleeding of the varices.

5. When to use CPT code 43400

CPT code 43400 should be used when a provider performs the ligation procedure on dilated blood vessels in the esophagus to prevent rupture and bleeding. It is important to note that this code should not be used for other procedures or conditions unrelated to esophageal varices.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 43400, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of esophageal varices
• Description of the procedure performed, including the location of the incision and the method of ligation
• Details of the closure of the esophagus and the midline incisions
• Confirmation of hemostasis
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 43400, ensure that the procedure is performed to ligate dilated blood vessels in the esophagus. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements and guidelines provided by the payer. Additionally, be aware of any bundling or unbundling rules that may apply to this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 43400 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has not undergone any updates since its addition. However, it is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions to the code in future editions of the CPT manual.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs CPT 43400 to ligate dilated blood vessels in the esophagus of a patient with esophageal varices to prevent rupture and bleeding.
2. During a surgical procedure, a provider uses CPT 43400 to tie off dilated blood vessels in the esophagus of a patient with portal hypertension.
3. A patient with esophageal varices undergoes CPT 43400 to prevent the risk of rupture and bleeding of the blood vessels.
4. A provider performs CPT 43400 on a patient with dilated veins in the esophagus to ensure hemostasis and prevent complications.
5. During an esophageal surgery, a provider utilizes CPT 43400 to ligate dilated blood vessels and reduce the risk of bleeding.
6. A patient with esophageal varices undergoes CPT 43400 to address the increased blood pressure in the liver and prevent potential complications.
7. A provider performs CPT 43400 to tie off dilated blood vessels in the esophagus of a patient with portal hypertension, reducing the risk of rupture and bleeding.
8. During a surgical procedure, a provider utilizes CPT 43400 to ligate dilated blood vessels in the esophagus and ensure the patient’s safety.
9. A patient with esophageal varices undergoes CPT 43400 to prevent the potential complications associated with the condition.
10. A provider performs CPT 43400 to ligate dilated blood vessels in the esophagus, reducing the risk of bleeding and improving the patient’s overall health.