How To Use CPT Code 43770

CPT 43770 describes a laparoscopic surgical procedure used to treat morbid obesity by placing an adjustable gastric restrictive device, such as a gastric band and subcutaneous port components. 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 43770?

CPT 43770 is a code used to describe a laparoscopic surgical procedure that involves the placement of an adjustable gastric restrictive device, specifically a gastric band and subcutaneous port components. This procedure is performed to treat morbid obesity by restricting the size of the stomach.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 43770 is: ‘Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; placement of adjustable gastric restrictive device (eg, gastric band and subcutaneous port components).’ It is important to note that if the placement of individual components is being reported, modifier 52 should be appended to the code.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by preparing and anesthetizing the patient.
2. A small incision is made in the belly button or lower abdomen.
3. The abdominal cavity is filled with carbon dioxide to lift the abdominal wall away from the internal organs.
4. A laparoscope, which contains a video camera, is inserted through the incision to provide a visual of the abdominal area.
5. An adjustable gastric restrictive device, such as a gastric band, is placed around the top of the stomach and secured in place.
6. Tubing is connected from the band to an access port in the abdominal wall, allowing for future adjustments.
7. The provider checks for bleeding, removes any instruments, and closes the incisions in the abdomen with staples or stitches.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 43770 is performed on patients who are diagnosed with morbid obesity, which is defined as being so overweight that it endangers their health. The procedure is intended for individuals who have not been able to achieve weight loss through other methods. It is important to note that coverage for operative procedures for morbid obesity may vary among payers, so it is essential to check with the specific payer for coverage details.

5. When to use CPT code 43770

CPT code 43770 should be used when a laparoscopic surgical procedure is performed to place an adjustable gastric restrictive device, such as a gastric band and subcutaneous port components, for the treatment of morbid obesity. It is important to note that if the placement of individual components is being reported, modifier 52 should be appended to the code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 43770, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of morbid obesity
• Details of the procedure, including the placement of the adjustable gastric restrictive device
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 43770, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. Additionally, it is important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer. It is also worth noting that there may be other codes related to laparoscopic bariatric surgery procedures that may be applicable in certain situations, so it is important to review the code set thoroughly.

8. Historical information

CPT code 43770 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. There have been historical changes to the code, including a code change on January 1, 2008, which updated the description to specify the placement of an adjustable gastric band.

9. Examples

1. A patient with morbid obesity undergoes a laparoscopic surgical procedure for the placement of an adjustable gastric band and subcutaneous port components.
2. A provider performs a laparoscopic gastric restrictive procedure on a patient with morbid obesity, placing an adjustable gastric restrictive device to aid in weight loss.
3. A laparoscopic surgical procedure is performed on a patient with morbid obesity, involving the placement of an adjustable gastric band and subcutaneous port components.
4. A provider performs a laparoscopic gastric restrictive procedure on a patient with morbid obesity, placing an adjustable gastric restrictive device to restrict the size of the stomach.
5. A patient with morbid obesity undergoes a laparoscopic surgical procedure for the placement of an adjustable gastric band and subcutaneous port components to aid in weight loss.
6. A provider performs a laparoscopic gastric restrictive procedure on a patient with morbid obesity, placing an adjustable gastric restrictive device to help the patient achieve weight loss goals.
7. A laparoscopic surgical procedure is performed on a patient with morbid obesity, involving the placement of an adjustable gastric band and subcutaneous port components to restrict the size of the stomach.
8. A provider performs a laparoscopic gastric restrictive procedure on a patient with morbid obesity, placing an adjustable gastric restrictive device to assist in weight loss efforts.
9. A patient with morbid obesity undergoes a laparoscopic surgical procedure for the placement of an adjustable gastric band and subcutaneous port components to aid in achieving weight loss goals.
10. A provider performs a laparoscopic gastric restrictive procedure on a patient with morbid obesity, placing an adjustable gastric restrictive device to help the patient manage their weight.