How To Use CPT Code 44127

CPT 44127 describes a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a narrowed segment of the small intestine in a patient with congenital atresia. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 44127, 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 44127?

CPT 44127 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure in which a qualified healthcare provider removes a single narrowed segment of the small intestine in a patient with congenital atresia. This procedure involves the resection of the atretic segment and the anastomosis of the remaining loops of the intestines, narrowing one end to fit with the other.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 44127 is: ‘Enterectomy, resection of small intestine for congenital atresia, single resection and anastomosis of proximal segment of intestine; with tapering.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the healthcare provider makes an abdominal incision to access the small intestine and assess the level of atresia.
2. After examination, the provider identifies the target area of the small intestine and resects the narrowed segment.
3. One end of the remaining intestines is narrowed using a stapler or sutures, taking care not to excessively thin the lumen of the intestine.
4. The provider then performs an end-to-end anastomosis, connecting the remaining loops of the intestines.
5. After completing the procedure, the provider ensures control of bleeding and closes the abdominal incision in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 44127 is performed on patients with congenital atresia, a condition characterized by the absence or closure of an opening in the small intestine. This procedure is specifically for patients with a single narrowed segment of the small intestine. The healthcare provider must carefully assess the patient’s condition and determine the need for surgical intervention.

5. When to use CPT code 44127

CPT code 44127 should be used when a qualified healthcare provider performs a surgical procedure to remove a narrowed segment of the small intestine in a patient with congenital atresia. It is important to note that this code is specifically for cases where tapering is performed. If the procedure does not involve tapering, a different code, such as 44126, should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 44127, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of congenital atresia and the need for surgical intervention
• Details of the procedure, including the specific segment of the small intestine resected and the method of tapering
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional findings or anomalies discovered during the procedure
• Confirmation of control of bleeding and closure of the abdominal incision
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 44127, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider and that tapering is included. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and to consider any additional services or procedures performed in conjunction with CPT 44127. It is also important to review any payer-specific guidelines or requirements for billing this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 44127 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2002. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A qualified healthcare provider performs CPT 44127 on a newborn with congenital atresia, removing a narrowed segment of the small intestine and performing tapering to ensure proper anastomosis.
2. During a surgical procedure, a healthcare provider resects a narrowed segment of the small intestine in a patient with congenital atresia, performing tapering to facilitate an end-to-end anastomosis.
3. A qualified surgeon performs CPT 44127 on a pediatric patient with congenital atresia, removing a narrowed segment of the small intestine and carefully tapering the remaining intestines for proper anastomosis.
4. During a surgical intervention, a healthcare provider resects a narrowed segment of the small intestine in a patient with congenital atresia, performing tapering to ensure a successful end-to-end anastomosis.
5. A qualified healthcare provider performs CPT 44127 on an infant with congenital atresia, removing a narrowed segment of the small intestine and skillfully tapering the remaining intestines for proper anastomosis.
6. During a surgical procedure, a healthcare provider resects a narrowed segment of the small intestine in a patient with congenital atresia, performing tapering to facilitate a successful end-to-end anastomosis.
7. A qualified surgeon performs CPT 44127 on a newborn with congenital atresia, removing a narrowed segment of the small intestine and carefully tapering the remaining intestines to ensure proper anastomosis.
8. During a surgical intervention, a healthcare provider resects a narrowed segment of the small intestine in a patient with congenital atresia, performing tapering to facilitate a successful end-to-end anastomosis.