How To Use CPT Code 43882

CPT 43882 describes the revision or removal of gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum of the stomach through an open approach. 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 43882?

CPT 43882 is used to describe the revision or removal of gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum of the stomach. This procedure is performed through an open approach, and it involves either revising the placement of previously placed electrodes or removing them entirely. Gastric neurostimulators are devices that stimulate the opening and closing of the pylorus to treat nausea and vomiting caused by gastroparesis, a condition characterized by the paralysis of the stomach muscles.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 43882 is: ‘Revision or removal of gastric neurostimulator electrodes, antrum, open.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned supine on the operating table and prepared for the procedure.
2. An upper midline incision is made to access the abdominal cavity.
3. Any adhesions present are carefully dissected to ensure good visualization of the previously placed electrodes.
4. If the electrodes are to remain, they are repaired or repositioned as necessary and reconnected to the generator.
5. If the electrodes are to be removed, they are freed up from any scar tissue or adhesions.
6. Any infection or inflammatory reaction is treated with antibiotic solution.
7. The provider checks for bleeding, removes any instruments, and closes the abdominal incision in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 43882 is performed on patients who have previously undergone gastric neurostimulator electrode placement on the antrum of the stomach. The procedure may involve revising the placement of the electrodes due to scarring or other complications, or removing the electrodes if the patient has responded sufficiently to no longer require the device. Gastric neurostimulators are typically used to treat gastroparesis caused by diabetes mellitus or idiopathic factors that have not responded to drug therapy.

5. When to use CPT code 43882

CPT code 43882 should be used when a provider performs the revision or removal of gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum of the stomach through an open approach. This code should not be used for the initial placement of the electrodes or for revisions or removals performed using a laparoscopic technique.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 43882, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the revision or removal of the gastric neurostimulator electrodes
• Details of the procedure, including the approach used (open)
• Description of any repairs, repositioning, or removal of the electrodes
• Treatment of any infection or inflammatory reaction
• Confirmation of bleeding control
• Closure of the abdominal incision

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 43882, ensure that the procedure is performed through an open approach and involves the revision or removal of gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum of the stomach. It is important to note that CPT code 43882 should not be reported with other codes for the insertion, revision, or removal of gastric neurostimulator pulse generator or for electronic analysis and programming of the pulse generator. Additionally, consider the location of the testing when coding for gastric neurostimulator procedures.

8. Historical information

CPT code 43882 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2007. There have been no updates to the code since its addition. However, it is worth mentioning that Medicare added CPT code 43882 to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list in 2017, indicating that it is typically performed in an inpatient setting.

9. Examples

1. A patient who previously had gastric neurostimulator electrodes placed on the antrum of the stomach undergoes a revision procedure to reposition the electrodes due to scarring.
2. A provider performs an open removal of gastric neurostimulator electrodes from the antrum of the stomach for a patient who has responded sufficiently to no longer require the device.
3. During an open revision procedure, a provider repairs previously placed gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum of the stomach that have become dislodged.
4. A patient with gastroparesis caused by diabetes mellitus undergoes an open removal of gastric neurostimulator electrodes from the antrum of the stomach due to complications.
5. A provider performs an open revision procedure to adjust the placement of gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum of the stomach for a patient experiencing suboptimal symptom relief.
6. During an open removal procedure, a provider frees up previously placed gastric neurostimulator electrodes from scar tissue on the antrum of the stomach.
7. A patient who no longer requires a gastric neurostimulator undergoes an open removal of the electrodes from the antrum of the stomach.
8. A provider performs an open revision procedure to repair damaged gastric neurostimulator electrodes on the antrum of the stomach for a patient experiencing device malfunction.
9. During an open removal procedure, a provider removes previously placed gastric neurostimulator electrodes from the antrum of the stomach due to infection.