AMA CPT® Assistant - 2012 Issue 2 (February)
Repair, Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia (Including Fundoplication) (February 2012)
February 2012 pages 3-7 Repair, Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia (Including Fundoplication) A defect or weakening in the diaphragmatic hiatus can lead to various types of herniation of the esophagus, stomach, or both. Because the treatment of hiatal hernia has changed dramatically over the past 10 to 20 years, the classification and treatment of these hernias have undergone a number of changes resulting in improved results for patients with these conditions. Hiatal hernias are currently described by type . A Type 1 hiatal hernia is a sliding hiatal hernia that occurs when the gastroesophageal (GE) junction migrates into the mediastinum. A Type...
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Article Overview
This February 2012 CPT Assistant article explains the reclassification and reporting framework for hiatal hernia repair procedures, with emphasis on open and laparoscopic approaches, associated fundoplication, and add-on esophageal lengthening guidance. It is useful for coders, surgeons, and revenue cycle staff working in digestive system, esophageal, and diaphragmatic surgery. The article also places the updated CPT code families in context and includes clinical examples and procedure overviews for the newly established codes.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate reporting of hiatal hernia repair depends on recognizing the operative approach, associated reconstruction steps, and whether additional services such as esophageal lengthening or prosthesis placement are involved. This article helps readers understand the scope of the updated CPT framework and the broader surgical concepts behind the code changes.
Article Sections
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February 2012 pages 3-7
A brief introductory reference to the publication date and page range for the article.
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Repair, Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia (Including Fundoplication)
Background on hiatal hernia types, changes in CPT reporting, and the general surgical context for paraesophageal hernia repair. The section introduces the procedure families and the broader reasons the code set was revised.
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Hiatal Hernia Surgery
Discussion of the operative concepts involved in hiatal hernia repair and the evolution of the related CPT framework. This section also addresses the broad categories of approaches and associated procedures referenced in the article.
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Codes 43332 and 43333
Overview of the open laparotomy-based paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair code family, followed by clinical examples and procedure descriptions tied to the new reporting structure.
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Codes 43334 and 43335
Overview of the open thoracotomy-based paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair code family, with accompanying clinical examples and procedure descriptions.
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Codes 43336 and 43337
Overview of the thoracoabdominal repair code family and associated clinical vignettes. The section focuses on the revised CPT structure for this operative approach.
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Add-On Code 43338
Explanation of the add-on code category for esophageal lengthening, including its role within the broader hiatal hernia repair framework and a related clinical example.
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References
Source citations and publication references related to the CPT changes discussed in the article.
What You Will Learn
- How paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair is organized within the CPT framework
- What types of surgical approaches are discussed for hiatal hernia repair
- How fundoplication and esophageal lengthening fit into the reporting context
- Which sections of the CPT code set were revised for these procedures
- How the article frames clinical examples and procedure descriptions for the updated codes
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding educators
- Surgeons
- Surgical practice managers
- Revenue cycle professionals
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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