How To Use CPT Code 44126

CPT 44126 describes the surgical procedure of enterectomy, specifically the resection of a narrowed segment of the small intestine in patients born with congenital atresia. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 44126, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 44126?

CPT 44126 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure known as enterectomy. It involves the removal of a single narrowed segment of the small intestine in patients who are born with congenital atresia. The procedure also includes the anastomosis, or connection, of the remaining loops of the intestines. This code does not include tapering of the intestine.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 44126 is: ‘Enterectomy, resection of small intestine for congenital atresia, single resection and anastomosis of proximal segment of intestine; without tapering.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the healthcare provider makes an abdominal incision to access the small intestine.
2. They then assess the level of atresia, which refers to the absence or closure of an opening in the intestine.
3. The provider identifies the narrowed segment of the small intestine and resects it, removing it from the patient’s body.
4. After the resection, the remaining loops of the intestines are connected through an end-to-end anastomosis.
5. The provider ensures control of bleeding and closes the abdominal incision in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 44126 is used for patients who are born with congenital atresia, which is the closure or absence of an opening in the small intestine. This procedure is specifically for the resection of a narrowed segment of the small intestine without tapering. It is important to note that this code is only applicable to cases without tapering.

5. When to use CPT code 44126

CPT code 44126 should be used when a healthcare provider performs an enterectomy, resecting a narrowed segment of the small intestine without tapering. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description of the code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 44126, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of congenital atresia
• Details of the procedure, including the resection of the narrowed segment of the small intestine and the anastomosis of the remaining loops
• Any additional relevant information, such as the level of atresia and the specific techniques used during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 44126, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description. This code should not be reported with tapering, as that would require a different code (44127). It is also important to follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT code 44126 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2002. It has not undergone any updates since its addition. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs an enterectomy, resecting a narrowed segment of the small intestine without tapering in a patient with congenital atresia.
2. During a surgical procedure, a provider removes a narrowed segment of the small intestine and performs an end-to-end anastomosis of the remaining loops in a patient with congenital atresia.
3. A newborn undergoes surgery to resect a narrowed segment of the small intestine and connect the remaining loops through an end-to-end anastomosis.
4. A healthcare provider performs an enterectomy, removing a narrowed segment of the small intestine without tapering in a patient with congenital atresia.
5. During a surgical procedure, a provider resects a narrowed segment of the small intestine and performs an end-to-end anastomosis of the remaining loops in a patient with congenital atresia.
6. A newborn undergoes surgery to remove a narrowed segment of the small intestine and connect the remaining loops through an end-to-end anastomosis.
7. A healthcare provider performs an enterectomy, resecting a narrowed segment of the small intestine without tapering in a patient with congenital atresia.
8. During a surgical procedure, a provider removes a narrowed segment of the small intestine and performs an end-to-end anastomosis of the remaining loops in a patient with congenital atresia.
9. A newborn undergoes surgery to resect a narrowed segment of the small intestine and connect the remaining loops through an end-to-end anastomosis.
10. A healthcare provider performs an enterectomy, removing a narrowed segment of the small intestine without tapering in a patient with congenital atresia.