AMA CPT® Assistant - 2018 Issue 7 (July)
Thoracoscopic and/or Laparoscopic Esophagectomy Procedures (July 2018)
July 2018 pages 7-9 Thoracoscopic and/or Laparoscopic Esophagectomy Procedures Until recently, esophagectomy procedures were performed via an open approach; however, advances in technology and techniques have allowed esophagectomy to now be performed using combinations of laparoscopic and thoracoscopic techniques for all or large portions of the procedure. Esophagectomy procedures performed using laparoscopic and thoracoscopic techniques represent different physician work and resources than if the procedures are performed using only an open approach. For 2018, three new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes have been added to the Digestive System/Esophagus subsection of the CPT 2018 code set to identify esophagectomy...
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Article Overview
This article reviews CPT 2018 changes affecting esophagectomy reporting, with emphasis on the addition of new procedure codes, a revised descriptor, and related guidance for distinguishing among open, laparoscopic, and thoracoscopic approaches. It is intended for coders, billers, and other professionals who work with digestive system and esophagus procedures and need to understand the scope of the 2018 CPT update, including associated coding context and a representative clinical example. The article also places the updated codes in context with prior unlisted-procedure reporting and notes related thoracostomy considerations.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate reporting of esophagectomy procedures depends on recognizing how approach, extent of resection, and associated services affect code selection. This update is relevant for maintaining compliant CPT reporting and understanding changes from prior unlisted-code billing.
Article Sections
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July 2018 pages 7-9
Introductory overview of the CPT 2018 updates affecting esophagectomy procedures and the purpose of the article.
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Excision
Discussion of the revised esophagectomy code within the excision category and the context for the 2018 descriptor update.
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Laparoscopy
Overview of the new esophagectomy procedure codes associated with laparoscopic and thoracoscopic approaches and the general circumstances addressed by the article.
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Coding Tip
Brief guidance on related thoracostomy reporting considerations tied to the esophagectomy codes discussed in the article.
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Figure 1. Laparoscopic Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy
Illustration reference connected to the representative clinical material included with the article.
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Clinical Example (43287)
Representative patient scenario used to show a typical clinical situation associated with one of the new esophagectomy codes.
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Description of Procedure (43287)
Procedure narrative accompanying the clinical example and illustrating the operative workflow at a high level.
What You Will Learn
- How CPT 2018 updated the reporting of selected esophagectomy procedures
- What general types of operative approaches are discussed in relation to these procedures
- How the article frames revised and newly added CPT guidance
- What related reporting considerations are mentioned alongside the esophagectomy updates
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing professionals
- Physician practice staff
- Compliance teams
Codes Discussed
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