How To Use CPT Code 43753

CPT 43753 describes the therapeutic procedure of gastric intubation and aspiration, which requires the skill of a physician. 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 43753?

CPT 43753 is a code used to describe the therapeutic procedure of gastric intubation and aspiration. This procedure involves the insertion of a tube into the stomach to perform various tasks such as lavage, which is the washing of the stomach, and aspiration, the removal of fluid or other materials through suction. Gastric intubation and aspiration may be necessary for conditions such as gastrointestinal bleeding, obstruction, severe trauma, or drug overdose.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 43753 is: ‘Gastric intubation and aspiration(s) therapeutic, necessitating physician’s skill (eg, for gastrointestinal hemorrhage), including lavage if performed.’

3. Procedure

1. When performing gastric intubation and aspiration, the physician ensures that the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The physician then passes a tube through the mouth or nose, down the esophagus, and into the stomach.
3. Using the inserted tube, the physician examines the stomach for any abnormalities, particularly focusing on bleeding.
4. If necessary, the physician instills either saline or warm water into the stomach and suctions out the stomach contents.
5. The lavage process may be repeated until the washings return clear.
6. Finally, the physician removes the tube and checks for any potential injury as the tube is pulled out.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Gastric intubation and aspiration with CPT code 43753 are performed when there is a need for therapeutic intervention by a physician. This procedure is typically required for conditions such as gastrointestinal hemorrhage, obstruction, severe trauma, or drug overdose. It is important to note that this procedure necessitates the skill of a physician.

5. When to use CPT code 43753

CPT code 43753 should be used when a physician performs gastric intubation and aspiration for therapeutic purposes. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the qualifying circumstances mentioned above and that the physician’s skill is necessary for the successful completion of the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 43753, the physician must document the following information:

• The reason for performing gastric intubation and aspiration, such as gastrointestinal hemorrhage or obstruction
• Details of the procedure, including the method of insertion (through the mouth or nose), the type of tube used, and any complications encountered
• The use of lavage, if performed, including the type of solution used
• The duration of the procedure
• Any findings or abnormalities observed during the examination of the stomach
• Documentation of any injury or complications that may have occurred during the removal of the tube

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 43753, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the qualifying circumstances and that the physician’s skill is necessary. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT code 43753 with other codes. However, it is important to follow any applicable payer guidelines and modifiers if required.

8. Historical information

CPT code 43753 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A physician performs gastric intubation and aspiration for a patient with gastrointestinal bleeding.
2. Gastric intubation and aspiration are performed by a physician on a patient who has ingested a toxic substance.
3. A physician performs gastric intubation and aspiration for a patient with a suspected gastrointestinal obstruction.
4. Gastric intubation and aspiration are performed by a physician on a patient who has experienced severe trauma to the abdomen.
5. A physician performs gastric intubation and aspiration for a patient with a suspected drug overdose.
6. Gastric intubation and aspiration are performed by a physician on a patient with a history of recurrent gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
7. A physician performs gastric intubation and aspiration for a patient with a suspected gastric outlet obstruction.
8. Gastric intubation and aspiration are performed by a physician on a patient with a suspected foreign body in the stomach.
9. A physician performs gastric intubation and aspiration for a patient with a suspected gastric ulcer.
10. Gastric intubation and aspiration are performed by a physician on a patient with a suspected gastric malignancy.