How To Use CPT Code 44020

CPT 44020 describes a specific procedure performed on the small intestine, excluding the duodenum. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 44020, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 44020?

CPT 44020 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure performed on the small intestine, specifically excluding the duodenum. This procedure involves exploration, biopsy(s), or removal of a foreign body. It is important to note that this code is specific to the small intestine and does not include the rectum.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 44020 is: ‘Enterotomy, small intestine, other than duodenum; for exploration, biopsy(s), or foreign body removal.’ This code is used when a provider makes an incision into the small intestine, excluding the duodenum, to explore, take biopsies, or remove foreign bodies.

3. Procedure

1. The procedure begins with the patient being appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes an incision into the abdomen, specifically targeting the small intestine below the duodenum.
3. Once the small intestine is exposed, the provider explores the area for any diseased tissue, lesions, or foreign bodies.
4. If any abnormalities are found, the provider may choose to excise the diseased tissue, take biopsies for further examination, or remove the foreign body.
5. After completing the necessary interventions, the provider repairs the intestine, fascia, and muscle layers in a meticulous manner.
6. The provider checks for any bleeding, removes any instruments used during the procedure, and closes the abdominal incision in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 44020 is used when a provider performs an enterotomy on the small intestine, excluding the duodenum, for exploration, biopsy(s), or foreign body removal. This procedure is typically performed when there is a suspected disease, lesion, or foreign body present in the small intestine. It is important to note that this code specifically applies to the small intestine and does not include procedures performed on the rectum or other parts of the intestines.

5. When to use CPT code 44020

CPT code 44020 should be used when a provider performs an enterotomy on the small intestine, excluding the duodenum, for exploration, biopsy(s), or foreign body removal. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed on the small intestine and not on other parts of the intestines. If the procedure involves the duodenum or other sections of the intestines, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

When reporting CPT code 44020, the provider must document the following information:

• The reason for performing the procedure, including any suspected diseases, lesions, or foreign bodies
• Details of the procedure, including the specific areas of the small intestine explored, biopsies taken, or foreign bodies removed
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Repair and closure of the intestine, fascia, and muscle layers
• Any post-procedure instructions or follow-up plans

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 44020, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed meets the criteria outlined in the code description. The procedure should be performed on the small intestine, excluding the duodenum, and involve exploration, biopsy(s), or foreign body removal. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by insurance companies or payers. Additionally, it is crucial to accurately document and code any additional procedures or services performed during the same encounter.

8. Historical information

CPT code 44020 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. Since its addition, there have been no updates or changes to the code.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs an enterotomy on the small intestine, excluding the duodenum, to explore and remove a foreign body.
2. A gastroenterologist performs an enterotomy on the small intestine, excluding the duodenum, to take biopsies for further examination.
3. A pediatric surgeon performs an enterotomy on the small intestine, excluding the duodenum, to explore and excise diseased tissue.
4. An emergency physician performs an enterotomy on the small intestine, excluding the duodenum, to remove a swallowed foreign body.
5. A general surgeon performs an enterotomy on the small intestine, excluding the duodenum, to explore and biopsy suspicious lesions.
6. A colorectal surgeon performs an enterotomy on the small intestine, excluding the duodenum, to remove a foreign body causing obstruction.
7. A surgical oncologist performs an enterotomy on the small intestine, excluding the duodenum, to explore and resect a tumor.
8. A trauma surgeon performs an enterotomy on the small intestine, excluding the duodenum, to repair a perforation caused by trauma.
9. A pediatric surgeon performs an enterotomy on the small intestine, excluding the duodenum, to repair a volvulus.
10. A general surgeon performs an enterotomy on the small intestine, excluding the duodenum, to repair an intussusception.