tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2008 Issue 5

Reader Questions: Gastric Aspiration Calls for 91105

Question: Our surgeon saw a patient complaining of rectal bleeding in the emergency department. After a level-five E/M, the surgeon personally performed a gastric aspiration (after the nurse was unable to complete the procedure) to determine if the bleeding was from the upper or lower GI tract. How should I code this service? Washington Subscriber Answer: The proper code for gastric aspiration is 91105 (Gastric intubation, and aspiration or lavage for treatment [e.g., for ingested poisons]). In addition to intubation, be sure to report the E/M service (99285, Emergency department visit for the E/M of a patient -)...

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