How To Use CPT Code 91132

CPT 91132 describes the diagnostic procedure known as transcutaneous electrogastrography, which measures the electrical activity of the stomach muscles to evaluate for possible motility disorders. 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 91132?

CPT 91132 is used to describe a diagnostic procedure called transcutaneous electrogastrography. This procedure involves placing electrodes on the surface of the abdomen over the area of the stomach and small intestine to measure the electrical activity of the stomach muscles. The purpose of this procedure is to evaluate for possible motility disorders, which refer to abnormal function of the muscles of the stomach or small intestine.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 91132 is: ‘Electrogastrography, diagnostic, transcutaneous.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the procedure.
2. Several electrogastrogram (EGG) electrodes are placed on the surface of the abdomen over the area of the stomach and small intestine.
3. The provider ensures that the electrodes are placed at specific distances apart.
4. The electrical activity generated by the stomach and intestinal muscles during contraction and relaxation is recorded.
5. Once a satisfactory recording is obtained, the provider removes the electrodes.
6. The recorded data is then analyzed and interpreted by the provider.
7. A report is prepared based on the analysis and interpretation of the recorded data.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 91132 is performed when there is a need to evaluate the electrical activity of the stomach muscles to assess for possible motility disorders. This procedure is typically performed on patients who are experiencing symptoms related to abnormal function of the stomach or small intestine. The provider must place the electrodes on the surface of the abdomen over the area of the stomach and small intestine and record the electrical activity generated by the muscles during contraction and relaxation.

5. When to use CPT code 91132

CPT code 91132 should be used when a provider performs transcutaneous electrogastrography to evaluate the electrical activity of the stomach muscles for possible motility disorders. This code should be reported for each instance of the procedure performed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 91132, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the procedure and the symptoms or concerns of the patient
• Details of the procedure, including the placement of the electrodes and the recording of the electrical activity
• Date and time of the procedure
• Analysis and interpretation of the recorded data
• Preparation of a report based on the analysis and interpretation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 91132, ensure that the procedure is performed as described in the official description. If the procedure includes provocative testing, use CPT code 91133 instead. If reporting only the professional component, append modifier 26 to the code. If reporting only the technical component, append modifier TC to the code, unless the hospital provided the technical component. Do not append a professional or technical modifier when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both components.

8. Historical information

CPT 91132 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. The code has not undergone any updates since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with symptoms of frequent nausea and abdominal pain. The provider performs transcutaneous electrogastrography to evaluate the electrical activity of the stomach muscles and assess for possible motility disorders.
2. A patient with a history of gastroparesis undergoes transcutaneous electrogastrography to monitor the electrical activity of the stomach muscles and assess the effectiveness of their current treatment plan.
3. A provider performs transcutaneous electrogastrography on a patient who has been experiencing unexplained weight loss and gastrointestinal symptoms to evaluate for possible motility disorders.
4. A patient with chronic constipation undergoes transcutaneous electrogastrography to assess the electrical activity of the stomach muscles and determine if there are any underlying motility issues contributing to their symptoms.
5. A provider performs transcutaneous electrogastrography on a patient with suspected irritable bowel syndrome to evaluate the electrical activity of the stomach muscles and aid in the diagnosis of the condition.
6. Provide four more examples of cases in which CPT code 91132 should be billed. Only explain the examples and make them all original. Do not include ‘CPT 91132” or ‘CPT code 91132” in the text of an example.