How To Use CPT Code 44125

CPT 44125 describes a surgical procedure that involves the resection of a segment of the small intestine, along with the creation of an enterostomy. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 44125, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and similar codes.

1. What is CPT Code 44125?

CPT 44125 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure in which a qualified healthcare provider removes a specific segment of the small intestine and creates an enterostomy. This procedure involves making an incision in the abdomen, identifying the target area of the intestine, resecting the affected segment while preserving blood supply, and suturing the proximal end of the small bowel to the abdominal wall through a separate incision as a stoma.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 44125 is: ‘Enterectomy, resection of small intestine; with enterostomy.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the procedure, ensuring appropriate prepping and anesthesia.
2. An abdominal incision is made to access the small intestine.
3. The target area of the small intestine is identified.
4. The affected segment of the small intestine is resected, with efforts made to retain as much blood supply as possible.
5. The distal end of the small bowel is closed.
6. The proximal end of the small bowel is sutured to the abdominal wall through a separate incision, creating an enterostomy.
7. The healthcare provider ensures control of bleeding and closes the abdominal incision used for enterectomy.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 44125 is used when a patient requires the resection of a segment of the small intestine and the creation of an enterostomy. This procedure may be necessary for various conditions, such as tumors, strictures, or other diseases affecting the small intestine. The healthcare provider must assess the patient’s condition and determine the need for enterectomy and enterostomy.

5. When to use CPT code 44125

CPT code 44125 should be used when a qualified healthcare provider performs the resection of a segment of the small intestine and creates an enterostomy. It is important to note that this code should not be used when enterostomy is not performed. In such cases, CPT code 44120, which describes enterectomy with single resection and anastomosis, may be more appropriate.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 44125, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for enterectomy and enterostomy
• Details of the procedure, including the specific segment of the small intestine resected
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Details of the enterostomy creation
• Control of bleeding and closure of the abdominal incision
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 44125, ensure that the procedure involves the resection of a segment of the small intestine and the creation of an enterostomy. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and accurately report the procedure performed. Consider any additional codes that may be necessary to fully capture the services provided during the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT code 44125 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A qualified healthcare provider performs CPT code 44125 to resect a segment of the small intestine and create an enterostomy for a patient with a small bowel tumor.
2. During a surgical procedure, a healthcare provider uses CPT code 44125 to remove a strictured segment of the small intestine and create an enterostomy for a patient with Crohn’s disease.
3. A patient with a small bowel obstruction undergoes a procedure in which a qualified healthcare provider performs CPT code 44125 to resect the affected segment and create an enterostomy.
4. For a patient with a small bowel perforation, a healthcare provider performs CPT code 44125 to resect the damaged segment and create an enterostomy.
5. A qualified healthcare provider uses CPT code 44125 to resect a segment of the small intestine and create an enterostomy for a patient with ischemic bowel disease.
6. During a surgical procedure, a healthcare provider performs CPT code 44125 to remove a tumor from a segment of the small intestine and create an enterostomy for a patient with gastrointestinal cancer.
7. A patient with a small bowel stricture undergoes a procedure in which a qualified healthcare provider performs CPT code 44125 to resect the affected segment and create an enterostomy.
8. For a patient with a small bowel fistula, a healthcare provider performs CPT code 44125 to resect the affected segment and create an enterostomy.
9. A qualified healthcare provider uses CPT code 44125 to resect a segment of the small intestine and create an enterostomy for a patient with radiation enteritis.
10. During a surgical procedure, a healthcare provider performs CPT code 44125 to remove a tumor from a segment of the small intestine and create an enterostomy for a patient with neuroendocrine cancer.