How To Use CPT Code 44403

CPT 44403 describes the procedure of colonoscopy through a stoma with endoscopic mucosal resection. This article will cover the description, official definition, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 44403?

CPT 44403 is used to describe a specific procedure involving colonoscopy through a stoma with endoscopic mucosal resection. This code is used when a provider performs a colonoscopy through an artificial opening in the skin called a stoma and also performs the excision of mucosal tissue using an endoscope.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 44403 is: ‘Colonoscopy through stoma; with endoscopic mucosal resection.’ It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with other specific codes for the same lesion or with a different code for colonoscopy through other approaches.

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the provider performs a colonoscopy through a stoma, which is an artificial opening in the skin that connects the large intestine to the external surface of the abdomen.
2. The provider inserts a colonoscope via the stoma to examine the colon for any lesions or abnormalities.
3. If a lesion is identified, the provider may administer a submucosal injection to raise the lesion, making it easier to resect or excise.
4. The provider then uses a snare or other means to remove the lesion.
5. After the excision, the provider ensures hemostasis and removes the colonoscope.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 44403 is performed on patients who have an artificial opening in their abdomen called a stoma. This procedure is used to examine the colon and remove any mucosal lesions or abnormalities. It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with other specific codes for the same lesion or with a different code for colonoscopy through other approaches.

5. When to use CPT code 44403

CPT code 44403 should be used when a provider performs a colonoscopy through a stoma and also performs endoscopic mucosal resection. This code is specific to the procedure described and should not be used for colonoscopy through other approaches.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 44403, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure
• Description of the procedure performed
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 44403, ensure that the procedure was performed through a stoma and included endoscopic mucosal resection. This code should not be reported in conjunction with other specific codes for the same lesion or with a different code for colonoscopy through other approaches. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 44403 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2015. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a colonoscopy through a stoma and performs endoscopic mucosal resection to remove a mucosal lesion.
2. During a colonoscopy through a stoma, a provider identifies a deep mucosal lesion and performs endoscopic mucosal resection to excise it.
3. A patient with a stoma undergoes a colonoscopy, and the provider performs endoscopic mucosal resection to remove a suspicious lesion.
4. Using a colonoscopy through a stoma, a provider identifies a large mucosal lesion and performs endoscopic mucosal resection to remove it.
5. During a colonoscopy through a stoma, a provider discovers a flat mucosal lesion and performs endoscopic mucosal resection to excise it.
6. A patient with a stoma undergoes a colonoscopy, and the provider performs endoscopic mucosal resection to remove a polyp.
7. Using a colonoscopy through a stoma, a provider identifies a mucosal lesion and performs endoscopic mucosal resection to remove it.
8. During a colonoscopy through a stoma, a provider discovers a large mucosal lesion and performs endoscopic mucosal resection to excise it.
9. A patient with a stoma undergoes a colonoscopy, and the provider performs endoscopic mucosal resection to remove a suspicious area.
10. Using a colonoscopy through a stoma, a provider identifies a flat mucosal lesion and performs endoscopic mucosal resection to excise it.