How To Use CPT Code 44120

CPT 44120 describes the excision procedure for the small intestine, specifically the removal of a single affected segment and the connection of the remaining intestinal ends. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 44120?

CPT 44120 is used to describe the surgical procedure in which a provider removes a single affected segment of the small intestine and connects the remaining intestinal ends. This code is used when there is a need for resection and anastomosis of the small intestine.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 44120 is: ‘Enterectomy, resection of small intestine; single resection and anastomosis.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the provider makes an incision in the abdomen and identifies the target area of the small intestine.
2. He isolates the affected segment and carefully removes it, ensuring to retain as much blood supply as possible.
3. The provider then connects the remaining intestinal ends in an end to end, end to side, or side to side manner, depending on the location of the resection.
4. After completing the procedure, the provider ensures control of bleeding and closes the abdominal incision appropriately.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 44120 is performed when there is a need to remove a segment of the small intestine due to a specific condition or disease. It is important to note that this procedure is only performed by a qualified healthcare professional and is not applicable to all patients or situations. The decision to perform CPT 44120 is based on the individual patient’s medical condition and the provider’s clinical judgment.

5. When to use CPT code 44120

CPT code 44120 should be used when a provider performs a single resection and anastomosis of the small intestine. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure and ensure that it meets the criteria outlined in the official description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 44120, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the procedure
• Specific details of the procedure, including the location of the resection and the type of anastomosis performed
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional procedures performed in conjunction with CPT 44120
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 44120, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description. Additionally, consider the following guidelines:

• Use additional codes, such as 44121, for each additional small intestine resection and anastomosis performed in addition to CPT 44120.
• Use code 44125 if the provider performs enterectomy, resection of the small intestine, with enterostomy.
• Use code 44202 if the provider performs laparoscopy, surgical; enterectomy, resection of the small intestine, with a single resection and anastomosis.

8. Historical information

CPT 44120 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs CPT 44120 to remove a segment of the small intestine affected by Crohn’s disease and connects the remaining intestinal ends.
2. A gastroenterologist performs CPT 44120 to resect a portion of the small intestine due to a tumor and performs an anastomosis to reconnect the remaining ends.
3. A general surgeon performs CPT 44120 to remove a segment of the small intestine affected by ischemia and performs an anastomosis to restore continuity.
4. A pediatric surgeon performs CPT 44120 to remove a segment of the small intestine affected by a congenital abnormality and performs an anastomosis to ensure proper intestinal function.
5. An oncology surgeon performs CPT 44120 to remove a segment of the small intestine affected by cancer and performs an anastomosis to restore intestinal continuity.
6. A trauma surgeon performs CPT 44120 to resect a portion of the small intestine due to a traumatic injury and performs an anastomosis to reconnect the remaining ends.
7. A bariatric surgeon performs CPT 44120 to remove a segment of the small intestine as part of a weight loss procedure and performs an anastomosis to ensure proper digestion and absorption.
8. A colorectal surgeon performs CPT 44120 to remove a segment of the small intestine affected by diverticulitis and performs an anastomosis to restore intestinal continuity.
9. A vascular surgeon performs CPT 44120 to resect a portion of the small intestine affected by mesenteric ischemia and performs an anastomosis to restore blood flow.
10. An emergency surgeon performs CPT 44120 to remove a segment of the small intestine due to a perforation and performs an anastomosis to restore intestinal continuity.