How To Use CPT Code 74360

CPT 74360 describes the radiological supervision and interpretation for the intraluminal dilation of strictures and/or obstructions in the esophagus. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 74360?

CPT 74360 can be used to represent the radiological supervision and interpretation for the intraluminal dilation of strictures and/or obstructions in the esophagus. This code is used when a provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation for a separately reportable procedure where a balloon dilator is inserted into the patient’s esophagus to ease an esophageal stricture.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 74360 is: ‘Intraluminal dilation of strictures and/or obstructions (eg, esophagus), radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation for a separately reportable procedure using an endoscopy and fluoroscopy.
2. A rigid or flexible esophageal balloon dilator is inserted through the patient’s mouth and into the esophagus to the point of stricture.
3. If necessary, a guide wire may be used to navigate through a tight esophageal stricture.
4. The provider inflates the balloon, moving and repeating the balloon inflation until the narrowed area is dilated to their satisfaction.
5. The fluoroscopic observation of the esophageal dilation is included in this service.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 74360 is used when a provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation for the intraluminal dilation of strictures and/or obstructions in the esophagus. This procedure is typically done using an endoscopy and fluoroscopy, and a balloon dilator is inserted into the patient’s esophagus to relieve a stricture or narrowing of the esophageal lumen. The provider may use a guide wire if necessary. This code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 43213, 43214, or 43233.

5. When to use CPT code 74360

CPT code 74360 should be used when a provider performs the radiological supervision and interpretation for the intraluminal dilation of strictures and/or obstructions in the esophagus. It is important to note that this code should not be reported with codes 43213, 43214, or 43233.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 74360, the provider must document the following information:

• Specific details of the procedure performed, including the use of an endoscopy and fluoroscopy
• Description of the balloon dilator insertion and the fluoroscopic observation of the esophageal dilation
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information or findings
• Signature of the provider performing the imaging supervision and interpretation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 74360, ensure that the provider is reporting only the radiological supervision and interpretation for the intraluminal dilation of strictures and/or obstructions in the esophagus. This code should not be reported with codes 43213, 43214, or 43233. It is important to follow payer policies regarding the use of modifiers and the reporting of professional and technical components.

8. Historical information

CPT code 74360 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation for the intraluminal dilation of an esophageal stricture using a balloon dilator.
2. A patient undergoes an endoscopy and fluoroscopy procedure for the radiological supervision and interpretation of the intraluminal dilation of an esophageal obstruction.
3. A provider uses a guide wire to navigate through a tight esophageal stricture during the radiological supervision and interpretation of the intraluminal dilation.
4. A balloon dilator is inserted into a patient’s esophagus to relieve a stricture, and the provider performs the radiological supervision and interpretation for this procedure.
5. A provider performs the fluoroscopic observation of the esophageal dilation during the radiological supervision and interpretation for the intraluminal dilation of an esophageal stricture.
6. An endoscopy and fluoroscopy procedure is performed to relieve an esophageal obstruction, and the provider provides the imaging supervision and interpretation for this procedure.
7. A provider performs the radiological supervision and interpretation for the intraluminal dilation of strictures in the esophagus using a balloon dilator.
8. A patient undergoes an endoscopy and fluoroscopy procedure for the radiological supervision and interpretation of the intraluminal dilation of an esophageal stricture.
9. A provider uses a guide wire to assist with the insertion of a balloon dilator during the radiological supervision and interpretation of the intraluminal dilation of an esophageal obstruction.
10. The fluoroscopic observation of the esophageal dilation is performed by a provider during the radiological supervision and interpretation for the intraluminal dilation of an esophageal stricture.