How To Use CPT Code 44015

CPT 44015 describes the procedure of tube or needle catheter jejunostomy for enteral alimentation, intraoperative, using any method. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 44015?

CPT 44015 is a code used to describe the procedure of tube or needle catheter jejunostomy for enteral alimentation, intraoperative, using any method. This procedure involves placing a feeding tube into the jejunum and bringing it out through an opening in the abdomen to provide the patient with nutritional support. It is typically performed to allow healing of the esophagus or stomach from disease or prior surgery.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 44015 is: ‘Tube or needle catheter jejunostomy for enteral alimentation, intraoperative, any method (List separately in addition to primary procedure).’ This code is an add-on code that must accompany an appropriate primary procedure code.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by appropriately prepping and anesthetizing the patient.
2. A small incision is made in the abdomen.
3. Using a needle catheter or direct placement, the provider places a feeding tube through a small incision in the jejunum.
4. The tube is brought out and attached to a surgically created opening, or stoma, on the abdominal wall.
5. The provider checks for bleeding, removes any instruments, and closes the abdominal incision in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

This procedure is performed on patients who require enteral alimentation, which means feeding through a tube in the small intestine. It is commonly done to provide nutritional support for patients whose esophagus or stomach needs to heal from disease or prior surgery. The procedure involves placing a feeding tube into the jejunum, which is the second part of the small intestine. The provider may use a needle catheter to make a small opening in the jejunum for the tube placement.

5. When to use CPT code 44015

CPT code 44015 should be used when the provider performs the tube or needle catheter jejunostomy procedure for enteral alimentation intraoperatively, using any method. It is important to note that this code is an add-on code and should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 44015, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the procedure and the need for enteral alimentation
• Details of the procedure, including the method used for tube or needle catheter jejunostomy
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 44015, ensure that the procedure is performed as an intraoperative procedure for enteral alimentation. This code should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code. It is important to follow CPT guidelines and only report a separate procedure if it was the only service provided in the same operative area or anatomic location.

8. Historical information

CPT code 44015 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. In 2017, it was added under the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a laparotomy for gastric cancer resection, and the surgeon performs tube jejunostomy for enteral alimentation intraoperatively.
2. A patient with severe esophageal injury requires surgical repair, and the surgeon performs needle catheter jejunostomy for enteral alimentation intraoperatively.
3. A patient with a history of gastric bypass surgery develops complications and requires tube jejunostomy for enteral alimentation intraoperatively.
4. A patient with Crohn’s disease undergoes bowel resection, and the surgeon performs tube jejunostomy for enteral alimentation intraoperatively.
5. A patient with a perforated duodenal ulcer undergoes emergency surgery, and the surgeon performs needle catheter jejunostomy for enteral alimentation intraoperatively.
6. A patient with severe malnutrition requires enteral alimentation, and the surgeon performs tube jejunostomy intraoperatively.
7. A patient with a history of esophageal cancer undergoes esophagectomy, and the surgeon performs needle catheter jejunostomy for enteral alimentation intraoperatively.
8. A patient with a complicated gastrointestinal fistula requires enteral alimentation, and the surgeon performs tube jejunostomy intraoperatively.
9. A patient with a history of gastric volvulus undergoes surgical correction, and the surgeon performs needle catheter jejunostomy for enteral alimentation intraoperatively.
10. A patient with severe malabsorption syndrome requires enteral alimentation, and the surgeon performs tube jejunostomy intraoperatively.