How To Use CPT Code 44603

CPT 44603 describes the procedure for suturing the small intestine in cases of perforated ulcer, diverticulum, wound, injury, or rupture with multiple perforations. This article will cover the description, official guidelines, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 44603?

CPT 44603 is used to describe the surgical procedure of suturing the small intestine in cases of multiple perforations caused by conditions such as perforated ulcer, diverticulum, wound, injury, or rupture. This code is specifically used when the surgeon repairs the enterotomies in layers and closes the abdominal incision after ensuring hemostasis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 44603 is: ‘Suture of small intestine (enterorrhaphy) for perforated ulcer, diverticulum, wound, injury or rupture; multiple perforations.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned supine on the operating table and prepared and draped in a sterile manner.
2. The surgeon makes an incision over the affected area of the small intestine.
3. Suture material is used to repair the multiple perforations in layers.
4. If there has been leakage of the bowel or bleeding, the abdomen may be washed out with antibiotic solution or normal saline.
5. The surgeon ensures hemostasis to control any bleeding.
6. The abdominal incision is closed in layers to complete the procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 44603 is performed in cases where the patient has multiple perforations in the small intestine due to conditions such as perforated ulcer, diverticulum, wound, injury, or rupture. The procedure is typically performed by a surgeon and requires the use of sutures to repair the enterotomies in layers. It is important to note that this code specifically applies to cases with multiple perforations.

5. When to use CPT code 44603

CPT code 44603 should be used when a surgeon performs the procedure of suturing the small intestine to repair multiple perforations caused by conditions such as perforated ulcer, diverticulum, wound, injury, or rupture. It is important to accurately document the number of perforations repaired during the procedure to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 44603, the following documentation is required:

• Identification of the patient’s condition necessitating the procedure (e.g., perforated ulcer, diverticulum, wound, injury, or rupture)
• Description of the multiple perforations in the small intestine
• Details of the surgical procedure, including the use of sutures and repair in layers
• Documentation of any additional procedures performed, such as abdominal lavage or hemostasis
• Record of the closure of the abdominal incision
• Signature of the performing surgeon

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 44603, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for multiple perforations in the small intestine. It is important to accurately document the number of perforations repaired during the procedure. Additionally, follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines to ensure proper reimbursement for the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 44603 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. The code has not undergone any updates 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 CPT 44603 to suture multiple perforations in the small intestine caused by a perforated ulcer.
2. In a case of a patient with diverticulitis, a surgeon uses CPT 44603 to repair multiple perforations in the small intestine.
3. Following a traumatic injury, a surgeon performs CPT 44603 to suture multiple perforations in the small intestine.
4. A patient presents with a ruptured small intestine due to an underlying condition, and a surgeon utilizes CPT 44603 to repair the multiple perforations.
5. In a case of a wound infection leading to multiple perforations in the small intestine, a surgeon performs CPT 44603 to suture the enterotomies.
6. A surgeon uses CPT 44603 to repair multiple perforations in the small intestine caused by a surgical complication.
7. In a case of a patient with a perforated diverticulum, a surgeon performs CPT 44603 to suture the multiple perforations in the small intestine.
8. Following a traumatic injury to the abdomen, a surgeon utilizes CPT 44603 to repair multiple perforations in the small intestine.
9. A patient presents with a ruptured small intestine due to a wound, and a surgeon performs CPT 44603 to suture the enterotomies.
10. In a case of a patient with a perforated ulcer, a surgeon uses CPT 44603 to repair the multiple perforations in the small intestine.