How To Use CPT Code 91117

CPT 91117 describes a colon motility study that measures the strength of muscle contractions in the colon. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 91117?

CPT 91117 is used to report a colon motility study that assesses the motor activity of the colon. This study measures the strength of muscle contractions in different areas of the colon, including during rest, sleep, waking, meals, and after provocative stimulation such as drugs or balloon distensions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 91117 is: ‘Colon motility (manometric) study, minimum 6 hours continuous recording (including provocation tests, eg, meal, intracolonic balloon distension, pharmacologic agents, if performed), with interpretation and report.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider gains access to the colon through either antegrade or retrograde placement.
2. A manometry catheter is placed in the colon to measure the strength of muscle contractions.
3. The provider records the colon’s motor activity for a minimum of 6 hours, observing responses to fasting, meals, nocturnal suppression, morning waking, balloon distension, and chemical stimuli.
4. After the study, the provider compares the collected data to normal ranges, interprets the results, and creates a report.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 91117 is used for patients with persistent constipation that is unresponsive to standard treatment and of unknown cause. It is also used to assess colonic motor activity prior to intestinal transplantation and to evaluate other motility disorders. The study must be performed by a provider who has appropriately prepped and anesthetized the patient and has access to the colon through antegrade or retrograde placement.

5. When to use CPT code 91117

CPT code 91117 should be used when a provider performs a minimum 6-hour continuous recording of a colon motility study, including provocation tests, with interpretation and report. It should not be reported in conjunction with CPT codes 91120 and 91122.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 91117, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s symptoms and the need for a colon motility study
• Details of the study, including the duration of the recording and any provocation tests performed
• Interpretation of the results and findings
• Signature of the provider performing the study

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 91117, ensure that the study is performed for a minimum of 6 hours with continuous recording, including provocation tests. Do not report CPT 91117 in conjunction with CPT codes 91120 and 91122. It is important to note that the placement of the manometry catheter may be performed by another provider, such as a radiologist, in a prior procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 91117 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with persistent constipation undergoes a 6-hour colon motility study to assess the functioning of their colon.
2. A provider performs a colon motility study on a patient prior to intestinal transplantation to evaluate their colonic motor activity.
3. A patient with unexplained motility disorders undergoes a colon motility study to determine areas of abnormal and normal colon functioning.
4. A provider conducts a colon motility study on a patient with chronic constipation that is unresponsive to standard treatment.
5. A patient with suspected motility issues undergoes a colon motility study to check for abnormalities in their colon’s motor activity.