How To Use CPT Code 44132

CPT 44132 describes the surgical procedure known as donor enterectomy, which involves the removal of a segment of the small intestine from a cadaver for transplantation. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 44132?

CPT 44132 is used to describe the surgical procedure of donor enterectomy, specifically the open resection of a segment of the small intestine from a cadaver for transplantation purposes. This code is used when the provider performs the procedure to remove the small intestine segment and preserves it on ice and in a cold preservation solution for transplantation into the recipient.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 44132 is: ‘Donor enterectomy (including cold preservation), open; from cadaver donor.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making a midline abdominal incision after appropriately prepping the cadaver.
2. They explore the abdomen and isolate the target area of the small intestine, ensuring it is free from all attachments.
3. The provider carefully excises the blood vessels as required and removes all or part of the small intestine.
4. If necessary, the incision is closed.
5. The acquired intestine is flushed with a preservative solution and stored in a sealable container on ice for transplantation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 44132 is performed when a segment of the small intestine needs to be removed from a cadaver for transplantation purposes. It is important to note that this code specifically applies to open donor enterectomy procedures and does not include preparation and maintenance of the allograft. The procedure must be performed on a cadaver donor.

5. When to use CPT code 44132

CPT code 44132 should be used when the provider performs an open donor enterectomy procedure, removing a segment of the small intestine from a cadaver for transplantation. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 44132, the provider must document the following information:

• Confirmation of the need for donor enterectomy and transplantation
• Details of the procedure performed, including the specific segment of the small intestine removed
• Documentation of the preservation process, including the use of a preservative solution and storage on ice
• Confirmation that the procedure was performed on a cadaver donor
• Any additional relevant details or complications encountered during the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 44132, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. This includes performing an open donor enterectomy procedure and removing a segment of the small intestine from a cadaver for transplantation. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines or requirements set forth by the payer or coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT 44132 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. It underwent a code change on January 1, 2005, with the description being modified to its current form. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs an open donor enterectomy, removing a segment of the small intestine from a cadaver for transplantation into a recipient.
2. A transplant team performs a donor enterectomy procedure, preserving the acquired small intestine segment on ice and in a cold preservation solution for transplantation.
3. A surgical team performs an open resection of the small intestine from a cadaver, ensuring proper preservation for transplantation purposes.
4. A provider performs a donor enterectomy, removing a segment of the small intestine from a cadaver and preparing it for transplantation into a recipient.
5. A surgeon performs an open procedure to remove a segment of the small intestine from a cadaver for transplantation, following all necessary preservation protocols.
6. A transplant team performs a donor enterectomy, carefully removing a segment of the small intestine from a cadaver and preserving it for transplantation.
7. A surgical team performs an open resection of the small intestine from a cadaver, ensuring proper preservation and storage for transplantation.
8. A provider performs a donor enterectomy, removing a segment of the small intestine from a cadaver and preparing it for transplantation into a recipient.
9. A surgeon performs an open procedure to remove a segment of the small intestine from a cadaver for transplantation, following all necessary preservation protocols.
10. A transplant team performs a donor enterectomy, carefully removing a segment of the small intestine from a cadaver and preserving it for transplantation.