How To Use CPT Code 43773

CPT 43773 describes a laparoscopic surgical procedure that involves the removal and replacement 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 43773?

CPT 43773 can be used to describe a laparoscopic surgical procedure in which a previously placed gastric band is removed and replaced with another gastric restrictive device component. This procedure is performed under the guidance of a laparoscope, a small camera that allows the healthcare provider to visualize and manipulate the internal organs.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 43773 is: ‘Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; removal and replacement of adjustable gastric restrictive device component only.’ It is important to note that CPT code 43773 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 43772.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the laparoscopic procedure, ensuring appropriate anesthesia and prepping the surgical site.
2. A small incision is made in the belly button or lower abdomen, and carbon dioxide is used to inflate the abdominal cavity, creating space for the laparoscope.
3. The laparoscope is inserted through the incision, allowing the provider to visualize the stomach and gastric band using video monitors in the operating room.
4. The provider assesses the condition of the gastric band and determines whether it needs to be repositioned, replaced, or removed.
5. If removal is necessary, the provider disconnects any attachments to the band, cuts and reconnects the tubing leading to the access port, and removes the band.
6. The provider inspects the stomach wall for any signs of erosion or injury caused by the band and repairs any damage with sutures.
7. A new gastric band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach, and the tubing is reconnected to the newly placed band.
8. Hemostasis is achieved to stop any bleeding from incisions and suture lines.
9. The provider deflates the abdomen, removes the laparoscope and other instruments, and closes the incisions with staples, stitches, or glue.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 43773 is performed on patients who have previously undergone gastric band placement and require removal and replacement of the adjustable gastric restrictive device component. This procedure may be necessary due to band displacement, malfunction, erosion of the stomach wall caused by the band, or other reasons determined by the healthcare provider. It is important to note that CPT code 43773 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 43772.

5. When to use CPT code 43773

CPT code 43773 should be used when a laparoscopic surgical procedure is performed to remove and replace an adjustable gastric restrictive device component. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description of the code. CPT code 43773 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 43772.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 43773, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s medical history and indication for the removal and replacement of the gastric restrictive device component
• Details of the laparoscopic procedure, including the specific steps performed
• Any repairs made to the stomach wall or other structures
• Description of the new gastric restrictive device component used
• Date of the procedure and duration
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 43773, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description. CPT code 43773 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 43772. It is also important to follow any additional billing guidelines provided by the payer or relevant coding guidelines. Ensure accurate documentation and coding to support the claim for reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 43773 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. There have been historical changes to the code, including a code change in 2008 to specify the removal and replacement 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 patient who previously had a gastric band placed undergoes a laparoscopic procedure to remove and replace the adjustable gastric restrictive device component due to band displacement.
2. A healthcare provider performs a laparoscopic procedure to remove and replace the gastric restrictive device component for a patient who experienced erosion of the stomach wall caused by the band.
3. A patient requires a laparoscopic procedure to remove and replace the adjustable gastric restrictive device component due to malfunction of the band.
4. A healthcare provider performs a laparoscopic procedure to remove and replace the gastric restrictive device component for a patient who desires an adjustment in the level of restriction.
5. A patient undergoes a laparoscopic procedure to remove and replace the adjustable gastric restrictive device component due to complications from the previous placement.
6. A healthcare provider performs a laparoscopic procedure to remove and replace the gastric restrictive device component for a patient who experienced weight regain after the initial placement.