How To Use CPT Code 43453

CPT 43453 describes the dilation of the esophagus using a guide wire to widen a narrowed area and improve swallowing. 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 43453?

CPT 43453 is used to describe the dilation of the esophagus by passing dilators over a guide wire. This procedure is performed to widen a narrowed area of the esophagus and improve the patient’s ability to swallow. It is important to note that this code specifically refers to dilation without endoscopic visualization or the use of a balloon or dilator.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 43453 is the dilation of the esophagus over a guide wire. It is important to note that this code does not include dilation with endoscopic visualization or the use of a balloon or dilator. Other codes should be used for those specific procedures.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned supine on the procedure table and appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider inserts a thin stiff wire into the esophagus under fluoroscopic guidance.
3. A series of dilators are then passed down the esophagus over the guide wire to dilate the narrowed area.
4. At the end of the procedure, the provider removes the instruments.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 43453 is performed on patients with a narrowed area of the esophagus that requires dilation. This procedure is typically indicated for patients who have difficulty swallowing due to strictures or other obstructions in the esophagus. It is important to note that this code specifically refers to dilation without endoscopic visualization or the use of a balloon or dilator.

5. When to use CPT code 43453

CPT code 43453 should be used when the provider performs dilation of the esophagus using dilators over a guide wire. This code is appropriate when the procedure does not involve endoscopic visualization or the use of a balloon or dilator. If endoscopic visualization or a balloon or dilator is used, other specific codes should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 43453, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis indicating the need for esophageal dilation
• Description of the procedure performed, including the use of a guide wire and dilators
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or adverse events that occurred during or after the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 43453, ensure that the procedure involves the dilation of the esophagus using dilators over a guide wire. This code should not be reported if endoscopic visualization or a balloon or dilator is used. It is important to follow the specific guidelines and documentation requirements of the payer when submitting claims for this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 43453 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a narrowed area in the esophagus undergoes dilation using dilators over a guide wire to improve swallowing.
2. A provider performs esophageal dilation on a patient with a stricture, using dilators over a guide wire to widen the narrowed area.
3. During a procedure, a provider dilates the esophagus of a patient with difficulty swallowing, using dilators over a guide wire to alleviate the obstruction.
4. A patient with an esophageal stricture undergoes dilation using dilators over a guide wire, allowing for improved swallowing function.
5. A provider performs esophageal dilation on a patient with dysphagia, using dilators over a guide wire to expand the narrowed area.
6. During a procedure, a provider dilates the esophagus of a patient with an obstruction, using dilators over a guide wire to restore normal swallowing function.
7. A patient with a narrowed esophagus undergoes dilation using dilators over a guide wire, improving their ability to swallow.
8. A provider performs esophageal dilation on a patient with a stricture, using dilators over a guide wire to widen the narrowed area and alleviate swallowing difficulties.
9. During a procedure, a provider dilates the esophagus of a patient with dysphagia, using dilators over a guide wire to improve their ability to swallow.
10. A patient with an esophageal obstruction undergoes dilation using dilators over a guide wire, restoring normal swallowing function.