How To Use CPT Code 43772

CPT 43772 describes a laparoscopic surgical procedure that involves the removal of an adjustable gastric restrictive device component. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 43772?

CPT 43772 is a code used to describe a laparoscopic surgical procedure that focuses on the removal of a specific component of an adjustable gastric restrictive device. This procedure is performed when there is a need to remove the gastric band due to various reasons such as displacement, malfunction, erosion, or wearing away of the stomach wall caused by the band.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 43772 is: ‘Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; removal of adjustable gastric restrictive device component only.’

3. Procedure

1. During the laparoscopic procedure, the healthcare provider makes small incisions in the belly button or lower abdomen.
2. The provider then fills the abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide to create space and better visualize the internal organs.
3. A laparoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera, is inserted through one of the incisions to provide a visual of the abdominal area on video monitors in the operating room.
4. The provider examines the stomach and the gastric band to determine if the band needs to be repositioned, replaced, or removed.
5. If removal is necessary, the provider takes down any attachments to the band and carefully removes it.
6. After the band has been removed, the provider deflates the abdomen, removes the instruments, and closes the incisions using staples, stitches, or a special glue.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 43772 is used when there is a need to remove an adjustable gastric restrictive device component. This procedure is typically performed when the gastric band has become displaced, malfunctioned, or caused erosion of the stomach wall. It is important to note that this procedure should only be performed by a qualified healthcare professional with expertise in laparoscopic surgery.

5. When to use CPT code 43772

CPT code 43772 should be used when a laparoscopic surgical procedure is performed to remove an adjustable gastric restrictive device component. It is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the specific description provided by the code. If the procedure involves the removal of other components or additional procedures, a different CPT code may be more appropriate.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 43772, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the removal of the adjustable gastric restrictive device component
• Details of the laparoscopic procedure performed, including the specific steps taken
• Incision locations and closure method
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Any additional procedures performed during the same operative session
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 43772, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the specific description provided by the code. The healthcare provider should also follow any additional billing guidelines provided by the payer. It is important to note that CPT code 43772 should not be reported if other related codes have already been billed within a specific time frame.

8. Historical information

CPT code 43772 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. There have been some historical changes to the code, including a code change in 2008 to specify the removal of the adjustable gastric band component only. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare, but it was removed from the IPO list in 2018.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a laparoscopic procedure to remove the adjustable gastric band component for a patient who experienced erosion of the stomach wall.
2. During a laparoscopic surgery, the provider removes the malfunctioning gastric band component for a patient who had displacement of the band.
3. A qualified healthcare professional performs a laparoscopic procedure to remove the adjustable gastric restrictive device component due to complications experienced by the patient.
4. For a patient with a history of gastric band placement, the provider performs a laparoscopic procedure to remove the band component and address the patient’s specific needs.
5. A laparoscopic surgery is performed to remove the adjustable gastric restrictive device component for a patient who requires revision of their weight loss treatment plan.
6. A healthcare provider performs a laparoscopic procedure to remove the adjustable gastric band component for a patient who no longer requires the device for weight management.
7. During a laparoscopic surgery, the provider removes the adjustable gastric restrictive device component due to the patient’s request for a different weight loss treatment approach.
8. A qualified healthcare professional performs a laparoscopic procedure to remove the gastric band component for a patient who experienced complications related to the device.
9. For a patient with a history of adjustable gastric restrictive device placement, the provider performs a laparoscopic procedure to remove the band component and address the patient’s changing needs.
10. A laparoscopic surgery is performed to remove the adjustable gastric restrictive device component for a patient who has achieved their weight loss goals and no longer requires the device.