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Official Description

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with insertion of intraluminal tube or catheter

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 43241 refers to an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which is a flexible endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract, specifically the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This procedure is performed transorally, meaning that the endoscope is inserted through the mouth. A key aspect of this procedure is the insertion of an intraluminal tube or catheter, which is often utilized for therapeutic purposes, such as delivering nutrition in patients who have difficulty swallowing due to conditions like esophageal dysmotility. Prior to the procedure, the patient’s mouth and throat are typically numbed with an anesthetic spray, and sedation is administered to ensure comfort throughout the examination. During the procedure, a hollow mouthpiece is placed in the patient's mouth to facilitate the insertion of the flexible fiberoptic endoscope. The endoscope is carefully advanced as the patient swallows, allowing for direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The examination includes inspecting the esophagus for any abnormalities, aspirating the contents of the stomach, and insufflating the stomach with air to enhance visibility. The endoscope is then passed through the pylorus into the duodenum, where the mucosal surfaces are thoroughly inspected. As the endoscope is withdrawn, all surfaces are reinspected, and any findings, such as the presence of a hiatal hernia, are documented. The procedure concludes with the insertion of a nasoenteric tube into the stomach, which is then advanced into the duodenum, ensuring it remains in position for further therapeutic interventions. This comprehensive examination is crucial for diagnosing and managing various gastrointestinal conditions.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) procedure described by CPT® Code 43241 is indicated for various clinical scenarios, particularly when there is a need to assess the upper gastrointestinal tract. The following are specific indications for performing this procedure:

  • Impaired Swallowing - This procedure is often performed in patients who have difficulty swallowing, which may be due to conditions such as esophageal dysmotility.
  • Gastrointestinal Abnormalities - EGD is indicated for the evaluation of abnormalities in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, including lesions, strictures, or other pathological changes.
  • Need for Nutritional Support - The insertion of an intraluminal tube or catheter may be necessary for delivering nutrition in patients unable to ingest food orally.
  • Assessment of Hiatal Hernia - The procedure allows for the determination of the presence of a hiatal hernia, which can contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other complications.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 43241 involves several detailed steps to ensure a thorough examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Preparation and Anesthesia - The patient is prepared for the procedure by administering an anesthetic spray to numb the mouth and throat, along with sedation to ensure comfort during the examination.
  • Insertion of Mouthpiece - A hollow mouthpiece is placed in the patient's mouth to facilitate the insertion of the flexible fiberoptic endoscope.
  • Endoscope Insertion - The flexible fiberoptic endoscope is inserted through the mouth and advanced as the patient swallows, allowing for smooth passage into the esophagus.
  • Esophageal Inspection - Once the endoscope is advanced beyond the cricopharyngeal region, the esophagus is inspected for any abnormalities, which are noted for further evaluation.
  • Stomach Examination - The endoscope is then advanced into the stomach, where its contents are aspirated, and the stomach is insufflated with air to enhance visibility. The cardia, fundus, greater and lesser curvature, and antrum of the stomach are inspected for abnormalities.
  • Duodenal Inspection - The endoscopic tip is passed through the pylorus into the duodenum, where the mucosal surfaces are thoroughly inspected for any pathological changes.
  • Reinspection and Withdrawal - As the endoscope is slowly withdrawn, all surfaces are reinspected, and the stomach is deflated to conclude the examination.
  • Tube Insertion - After the endoscope is withdrawn, a nasoenteric tube is inserted into the stomach, and the endoscope is reinserted with a grasping device placed through its biopsy channel.
  • Advancement of the Tube - The tube is grasped and advanced through the pylorus into the duodenum, ensuring it remains in position before the endoscope is finally withdrawn.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the esophagogastroduodenoscopy, patients may require specific post-procedure care. It is essential to monitor the patient for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or perforation, which, although rare, can occur. Patients are typically advised to rest until the sedation wears off, and they may be instructed to avoid eating or drinking for a specified period to allow the throat to recover from the anesthetic. Follow-up care may include instructions on managing any discomfort and monitoring for signs of complications. Additionally, the healthcare provider may discuss the findings of the procedure and any further steps required based on the results of the examination.

Short Descr EGD TUBE/CATH INSERTION
Medium Descr EGD INTRALUMINAL TUBE/CATHETER INSERTION
Long Descr Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with insertion of intraluminal tube or catheter
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 3 - Special payment adjustment rules for multiple endoscopic procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Endoscopic Base Code 43235  Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed (separate procedure)
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P8B - Endoscopy - upper gastrointestinal
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 70 - Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, biopsy
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AG Primary physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2014-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2001-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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