How To Use CPT Code 43755

CPT 43755 describes the diagnostic procedure of gastric intubation and aspiration, specifically the collection of multiple fractional specimens with gastric stimulation using a single or double lumen tube. 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 43755?

CPT 43755 is a diagnostic procedure that involves the insertion of a tube into the stomach to collect multiple fractional specimens. These specimens are obtained through gastric stimulation using a single or double lumen tube. The collected specimens are then sent to the laboratory for analysis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 43755 is: ‘Gastric intubation and aspiration, diagnostic; collection of multiple fractional specimens with gastric stimulation, single or double lumen tube (gastric secretory study) (eg, histamine, insulin, pentagastrin, calcium, secretin), includes drug administration.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia if necessary.
2. A tube is inserted through either the mouth or the nose, down the esophagus, and into the stomach.
3. A stimulant, such as secretin, is administered intravenously while the provider attaches a syringe to the tube.
4. The provider suctions out the contents of the stomach and checks for any side effects of the stimulant.
5. If there are no undesired side effects, the gastric contents are removed and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
6. The provider removes the tube and checks for any injury as it is pulled out.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 43755 is performed for diagnostic purposes to determine the type of disease and its causes. It is used when there is a need to collect multiple fractional specimens from the stomach for analysis. The procedure requires the use of a single or double lumen tube and the administration of a stimulant, such as histamine, insulin, pentagastrin, calcium, or secretin.

5. When to use CPT code 43755

CPT code 43755 should be used when a healthcare provider performs gastric intubation and aspiration to collect multiple fractional specimens for diagnostic purposes. It is important to ensure that the procedure involves gastric stimulation using a single or double lumen tube and includes the administration of a stimulant. If the procedure does not meet these criteria, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 43755, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the procedure and the need for diagnostic evaluation
• Type of tube used (single or double lumen)
• Details of the gastric stimulation, including the specific stimulant administered
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Results of the analysis of the collected specimens, if available
• Any complications or side effects observed during or after the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 43755, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria specified in the official description. It is important to report any drugs or substances administered during the procedure. Additionally, consider any relevant coding guidelines and modifiers that may apply to accurately report the service.

8. Historical information

CPT code 43755 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A gastroenterologist performs gastric intubation and aspiration with the collection of multiple fractional specimens using a single lumen tube for a patient with suspected gastric ulcers.
2. A physician administers secretin and collects multiple fractional specimens through a double lumen tube during gastric intubation and aspiration to evaluate a patient with abnormal gastric acid secretion.
3. A healthcare provider performs gastric intubation and aspiration with the collection of multiple fractional specimens using a single lumen tube and administers pentagastrin to assess a patient with suspected gastrinoma.
4. A gastroenterologist uses a double lumen tube to collect multiple fractional specimens during gastric intubation and aspiration with gastric stimulation using histamine to evaluate a patient with suspected histamine intolerance.
5. A physician performs gastric intubation and aspiration with the collection of multiple fractional specimens using a single lumen tube and administers insulin to assess a patient with suspected insulinoma.
6. A healthcare provider administers calcium and collects multiple fractional specimens through a double lumen tube during gastric intubation and aspiration to evaluate a patient with suspected hypercalcemia.
7. A gastroenterologist performs gastric intubation and aspiration with the collection of multiple fractional specimens using a single lumen tube and administers secretin to assess a patient with suspected pancreatic insufficiency.
8. A physician administers pentagastrin and collects multiple fractional specimens through a double lumen tube during gastric intubation and aspiration to evaluate a patient with suspected Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
9. A healthcare provider performs gastric intubation and aspiration with the collection of multiple fractional specimens using a single lumen tube and administers histamine to assess a patient with suspected gastric acid hypersecretion.
10. A gastroenterologist uses a double lumen tube to collect multiple fractional specimens during gastric intubation and aspiration with gastric stimulation using secretin to evaluate a patient with suspected duodenal ulcer.