How To Use CPT Code 44133

CPT 44133 describes the surgical procedure known as donor enterectomy, specifically for partial removal of the intestines from a living donor. This article will cover the official description, procedure details, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 44133?

CPT 44133 is used to describe the surgical procedure of donor enterectomy, which involves the partial removal of the intestines from a living donor. This code includes the process of cold preservation of the donor intestines. It is important to note that this code is specifically for procedures performed on living donors, not cadaver donors.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 44133 is: ‘Donor enterectomy (including cold preservation), open; partial, from living donor.’ This code was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. It is important to note that for backbench intestinal graft preparation or reconstruction, different codes should be used (44715, 44720, 44721).

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by appropriately prepping and anesthetizing the patient.
2. An incision is made over the target area of the living donor’s intestine.
3. The provider harvests the chosen segment of the bowel.
4. The remaining ends of the intestine are sutured or stapled together in an end-to-end, end-to-side, or side-to-side manner, depending on the location of the segments.
5. Hemostasis is ensured, and the incision is closed in layers with sutures.
6. The provider preserves the donor’s intestines under cold conditions in a lab, secured in a special container with a preservative.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 44133 is applicable when a living donor undergoes a partial removal of their intestines for the purpose of transplantation. It is important to note that this code is not used for procedures performed on cadaver donors. The procedure must include cold preservation of the donor intestines.

5. When to use CPT code 44133

CPT code 44133 should be used when a living donor undergoes a partial enterectomy, and the procedure includes cold preservation of the donor intestines. 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 44133, the provider must document the following information:

• Details of the procedure, including the specific segment of the bowel harvested
• Documentation of cold preservation of the donor intestines
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional relevant details or complications encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 44133, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description. This code should only be reported for procedures performed on living donors and should not be reported for procedures performed on cadaver donors. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines or requirements set forth by the payer or insurance company.

8. Historical information

CPT 44133 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition. It is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions to the code in future editions of the CPT manual.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs a donor enterectomy on a living donor, removing a segment of the intestines for transplantation.
2. A transplant team harvests a portion of the bowel from a living donor, preserving it under cold conditions for transplantation.
3. A surgical team performs an open enterectomy on a living donor, suturing the remaining ends of the intestines together.
4. A provider performs a partial enterectomy on a living donor, ensuring hemostasis and closing the incision with sutures.
5. A surgeon performs a donor enterectomy on a living donor, securing the preserved intestines in a special container with a preservative.
6. A transplant team harvests a segment of the intestines from a living donor, preserving it under cold conditions for future transplantation.
7. A surgical team performs an open enterectomy on a living donor, suturing the remaining ends of the intestines together in an end-to-end manner.
8. A provider performs a partial enterectomy on a living donor, ensuring hemostasis and closing the incision in layers with sutures.
9. A surgeon performs a donor enterectomy on a living donor, preserving the intestines under cold conditions in a lab.
10. A transplant team harvests a portion of the bowel from a living donor, preserving it under cold conditions for later transplantation.