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Official Description

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with transendoscopic ultrasound-guided intramural or transmural fine needle aspiration/biopsy(s) (includes endoscopic ultrasound examination of the esophagus, stomach, and either the duodenum or a surgically altered stomach where the jejunum is examined distal to the anastomosis)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 43242 involves a comprehensive examination of the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract, specifically targeting the esophagus, stomach, and either the duodenum or the jejunum in cases where the stomach has been surgically altered. This procedure is performed using a flexible endoscope, which is a thin, tube-like instrument equipped with a light and camera, allowing for direct visualization of the internal structures. The examination is enhanced by the use of transendoscopic ultrasound (EUS), which provides detailed imaging of the surrounding tissues and organs. During the procedure, fine needle aspiration or biopsy may be conducted to obtain tissue samples from any identified lesions or abnormalities. This is crucial for diagnosing various gastrointestinal conditions, as it allows for the evaluation of potential malignancies or other pathologies. The use of anesthetic spray ensures patient comfort by numbing the mouth and throat, facilitating the insertion of the endoscope. Overall, this procedure combines diagnostic imaging with therapeutic capabilities, making it a vital tool in the assessment and management of upper GI disorders.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 43242 is indicated for various conditions affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract. The following are explicitly provided indications for performing this procedure:

  • Evaluation of Abnormalities - This procedure is utilized to investigate any abnormalities found in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum, such as tumors, ulcers, or strictures.
  • Biopsy of Lesions - It is indicated for obtaining tissue samples from suspicious lesions or enlarged lymph nodes adjacent to the upper digestive tract for histopathological examination.
  • Assessment of Gastrointestinal Disorders - The procedure is performed to assess various gastrointestinal disorders, including but not limited to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), dysphagia, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Monitoring of Known Conditions - It is also indicated for monitoring known conditions, such as Barrett's esophagus or other pre-cancerous lesions, to evaluate any changes over time.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several detailed steps to ensure a thorough examination and accurate biopsy collection. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Preparation and Anesthesia - The patient is prepared for the procedure, and a local anesthetic spray is applied to the mouth and throat to minimize discomfort during the insertion of the endoscope.
  • Insertion of the Endoscope - A hollow mouthpiece is placed in the patient's mouth to facilitate the insertion of the flexible fiberoptic endoscope. The endoscope is advanced as the patient swallows, allowing it to pass through the esophagus.
  • Inspection of the Esophagus - Once the endoscope is positioned beyond the cricopharyngeal region, the esophagus is inspected for any abnormalities, which are noted for further evaluation.
  • Examination of the Stomach - The endoscope is then advanced into the stomach, where air is insufflated to expand the stomach for better visualization. The cardia, fundus, greater and lesser curvature, and antrum are inspected for abnormalities.
  • Evaluation of the Duodenum/Jejunum - The endoscope is further advanced through the pylorus into the duodenum and/or jejunum, particularly in cases of surgically altered anatomy. The mucosal surfaces are inspected, and any abnormalities are documented.
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound Examination - A radial scanning echoendoscope is introduced to perform an endoscopic ultrasound examination of the UGI tract and surrounding areas, identifying any enlarged lymph nodes or lesions.
  • Biopsy Procedure - After identifying lesions, the radial scanning echoendoscope is replaced with a linear scanning echoendoscope. A needle biopsy catheter is advanced through the biopsy channel to obtain intramural tissue samples from the identified lesions.
  • Doppler Imaging - If necessary, Doppler imaging is performed to ensure that no vascular structures obstruct the planned biopsy route before advancing the needle into the lesion or lymph node to obtain biopsy samples.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or perforation, which are rare but possible. Patients are typically advised to rest and may be instructed to avoid eating or drinking for a specified period until the effects of the anesthetic have worn off. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss biopsy results and any further management based on the findings from the procedure. It is essential for healthcare providers to provide clear instructions regarding signs of complications that patients should watch for, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, or difficulty swallowing, and to ensure that patients understand the importance of follow-up care.

Short Descr EGD US FINE NEEDLE BX/ASPIR
Medium Descr EGD INTRMURAL NEEDLE ASPIR/BIOP ALTERED ANATOMY
Long Descr Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with transendoscopic ultrasound-guided intramural or transmural fine needle aspiration/biopsy(s) (includes endoscopic ultrasound examination of the esophagus, stomach, and either the duodenum or a surgically altered stomach where the jejunum is examined distal to the anastomosis)
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.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.
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.)
AG Primary physician
AM Physician, team member service
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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
PO Excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
PT Colorectal cancer screening test; converted to diagnostic test or other procedure
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
X3 Episodic/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians who have broad responsibility for the comprehensive needs of the patient that is limited to a defined period and circumstance such as a hospitalization; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to the hospitalist's services rendered providing comprehensive and general care to a patient while admitted to the hospital
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
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
Date
Action
Notes
2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2014-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2004-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2001-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2001.
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