CPT® 2018: Upgrade Laparoscopic Esophagectomy Coding Next Year

Why This Topic Matters

Esophagectomy coding changed in CPT 2018, moving some cases away from unlisted reporting and toward more specific procedure reporting. The article helps readers understand which parts of the operative note matter when reviewing laparoscopic and thoracoscopic esophagectomy documentation.

Article Sections

1. Grasp Esophagectomy Complexity

   Introduces the general surgical context for esophagectomy and contrasts open approaches with minimally invasive variations. It explains why operative documentation details matter for selecting the correct reporting path.

2. Greet 3 New Esophagectomy Codes

   Summarizes the CPT 2018 addition of new esophagectomy reporting options for minimally invasive approaches. It also notes the prior use of unlisted reporting and the general categories of procedures now covered.

3. Look for Revised Code, Too

   Describes an existing esophagectomy code that was revised in CPT 2018. The section highlights how updated nomenclature was added to improve clarity in operative documentation and code identification.