Gastroenterology Codes Updates for 2013 (January 2013)

Why This Topic Matters

Gastroenterology coding changed in ways that affect endoscopy reporting, procedure bundling, and newer service categories. Understanding the scope of these updates helps coding staff recognize which services are addressed in the article and review the broader CPT guidance that applies to them.

Article Sections

1. January 2013 pages 11-12

   Publication and page reference information for the update article.

2. Endoscopy Reporting Guidelines

   General guidance on reporting endoscopic services and distinguishing separate procedures within the Digestive System code family.

3. Reporting Multiple Endoscopic Techniques

   Discussion of how multiple endoscopic techniques may be addressed when they occur within the same code family.

4. Codes 43206 and 43252

   Overview of newly discussed optical endomicroscopy services and related clinical context for esophagoscopy and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

5. Coding Tip

   A brief note highlighting a related supply-reporting point tied to the preceding code discussion.

6. Clinical Example (43206)

   A clinical scenario illustrating the use of the esophagoscopy-related optical endomicroscopy service.

7. Description of Procedure (43206)

   Procedure narration for the esophagoscopy-related example, showing the clinical setting and service flow.

8. Clinical Example (43252)

   A clinical scenario illustrating the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy-related optical endomicroscopy service.

9. Description of Procedure (43252)

   Procedure narration for the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy-related example, showing the clinical setting and service flow.

10. Code 44705

    Discussion of fecal microbiota preparation and donor specimen assessment within the article’s gastroenterology updates.

11. Clinical Example (44705)

    A clinical scenario involving fecal microbiota therapy and donor/specimen-related preparation activities.

12. Description of Procedure (44705)

    Procedure narration for the fecal microbiota preparation example, including donor assessment and oversight activities.

13. Category III Codes (0312T-0314T)

    Overview of new Category III procedures discussed in relation to laparoscopic vagus nerve blocking therapy for obesity.