How To Use CPT Code 43647

CPT 43647 describes the laparoscopic procedure for the implantation or replacement of gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum of the stomach. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 43647?

CPT 43647 can be used to describe the laparoscopic procedure in which gastric stimulation electrodes are implanted or replaced on the antrum of the stomach. This procedure is performed when medical treatment is no longer effective in managing gastroparesis, a condition characterized by paralysis of the stomach. Gastroparesis is often a complication of diabetes mellitus.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 43647 is: ‘Laparoscopy, surgical; implantation or replacement of gastric neurostimulator electrodes, antrum.’

3. Procedure

1. Using laparoscopic techniques, the healthcare provider makes several small incisions in the abdomen.
2. A scope is inserted through one of the incisions to examine the abdomen, while other incisions are used for inserting instruments.
3. The provider places the gastric stimulation electrodes on the muscle at the base (antrum) of the stomach.
4. The other ends of the leads are connected to a pulse generator, which is placed in a surgically created space below the skin of the abdomen.
5. A representative of the manufacturer tests and programs the generator.
6. The provider deflates the abdomen, removes all instruments, and closes the laparoscopic incisions using staples or sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 43647 is performed on patients with gastroparesis who have not responded to medical treatment and are experiencing severe nutritional deficits. The procedure involves the placement of gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum of the stomach. It is important to note that this procedure is not approved for weight loss.

5. When to use CPT code 43647

CPT code 43647 should be used when a laparoscopic procedure is performed to implant or replace gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum of the stomach. It is important to ensure that the patient meets the qualifying circumstances for this procedure and that it is medically necessary.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 43647, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of gastroparesis and the need for the procedure
• Details of the laparoscopic procedure, including the number and location of incisions
• Description of the placement or replacement of the gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum
• Documentation of the connection of the leads to the pulse generator
• Testing and programming of the generator by a representative of the manufacturer
• Closure of the laparoscopic incisions using staples or sutures

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 43647, ensure that the procedure is performed using laparoscopic techniques and that the gastric neurostimulator electrodes are implanted or replaced on the antrum of the stomach. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and to consider any additional codes that may be necessary for a complete and accurate claim submission.

8. Historical information

CPT 43647 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2007. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with gastroparesis due to diabetes mellitus undergoes a laparoscopic procedure for the implantation of gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum of the stomach.
2. A healthcare provider performs a laparoscopic replacement of gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum for a patient with severe gastroparesis symptoms.
3. During a laparoscopic procedure, the healthcare provider implants gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum of the stomach to help manage gastroparesis in a patient who has not responded to medical treatment.
4. A patient with gastroparesis undergoes a laparoscopic procedure for the replacement of gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum to improve stomach function.
5. A healthcare provider performs a laparoscopic implantation of gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum of the stomach for a patient with idiopathic gastroparesis.
6. During a laparoscopic procedure, the healthcare provider replaces gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum of the stomach to address severe gastroparesis symptoms in a patient.
7. A patient with gastroparesis due to diabetes mellitus undergoes a laparoscopic procedure for the implantation of gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum of the stomach.
8. A healthcare provider performs a laparoscopic replacement of gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum for a patient with severe gastroparesis symptoms.
9. During a laparoscopic procedure, the healthcare provider implants gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum of the stomach to help manage gastroparesis in a patient who has not responded to medical treatment.
10. A patient with gastroparesis undergoes a laparoscopic procedure for the replacement of gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum to improve stomach function.