How To Use CPT Code 44701

CPT 44701 describes the intraoperative colonic lavage procedure, which involves the irrigation or washing out of the colon during a primary procedure such as colectomy, repair of a perforation of the large intestine, or excision of the large intestine. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 44701?

CPT 44701 is used to describe the intraoperative colonic lavage procedure. This procedure involves the insertion of tubing into the cecum and irrigation of the colon with normal saline until the irrigating fluid returns clear. It is performed during a primary procedure such as colectomy, repair of a perforation of the large intestine, or excision of the large intestine.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 44701 is: ‘Intraoperative colonic lavage (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with the appropriate primary procedure codes, such as 44140, 44145, 44150, or 44604. It should not be reported with codes 44950-44960.

3. Procedure

1. During a primary procedure such as colectomy, repair of a perforation of the large intestine, or excision of the large intestine, the healthcare provider inserts tubing into the cecum.
2. The provider then irrigates the colon with normal saline until the irrigating fluid returns clear.
3. After completing the colonic lavage, the provider proceeds with the primary procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 44701 is used when the intraoperative colonic lavage procedure is performed during a primary procedure such as colectomy, repair of a perforation of the large intestine, or excision of the large intestine. It is important to note that this code should not be reported with codes 44950-44960.

5. When to use CPT code 44701

CPT code 44701 should be used when the intraoperative colonic lavage procedure is performed during a primary procedure such as colectomy, repair of a perforation of the large intestine, or excision of the large intestine. It should not be reported with codes 44950-44960.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 44701, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The primary procedure performed
• The use of intraoperative colonic lavage
• The use of normal saline for irrigation
• The completion of the colonic lavage procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 44701, ensure that the procedure is performed during a primary procedure such as colectomy, repair of a perforation of the large intestine, or excision of the large intestine. Do not report CPT 44701 with codes 44950-44960.

8. Historical information

CPT 44701 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2003. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs a colectomy and uses intraoperative colonic lavage to ensure a clear colon before completing the procedure.
2. A gastroenterologist repairs a perforation of the large intestine and performs intraoperative colonic lavage to clean the colon during the procedure.
3. A colorectal surgeon performs an excision of the large intestine and uses intraoperative colonic lavage to irrigate the colon before completing the excision.
4. A general surgeon performs a repair of a perforation of the large intestine and includes intraoperative colonic lavage as part of the procedure.
5. A surgical team performs a colectomy and utilizes intraoperative colonic lavage to ensure a clear colon before proceeding with the rest of the procedure.
6. A gastroenterologist performs a repair of a perforation of the large intestine and includes intraoperative colonic lavage to cleanse the colon during the procedure.
7. A colorectal surgeon performs an excision of the large intestine and utilizes intraoperative colonic lavage to irrigate the colon before completing the excision.
8. A general surgeon repairs a perforation of the large intestine and includes intraoperative colonic lavage as part of the procedure.
9. A surgical team performs a colectomy and incorporates intraoperative colonic lavage to ensure a clear colon before proceeding with the rest of the procedure.
10. A gastroenterologist repairs a perforation of the large intestine and performs intraoperative colonic lavage to cleanse the colon during the procedure.