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Official Description

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with removal of foreign body(s)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a specialized upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopic procedure that allows for direct visualization and examination of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and/or jejunum. This procedure is particularly indicated for the removal of foreign body(s) that may have become lodged in these areas. During the EGD, the patient is typically administered a local anesthetic spray to numb the mouth and throat, facilitating the insertion of the endoscope. A hollow mouthpiece is utilized to keep the mouth open, allowing for the smooth passage of the flexible fiberoptic endoscope. As the patient swallows, the endoscope is carefully advanced through the esophagus and into the stomach and duodenum. The procedure is performed under direct visualization, ensuring that the endoscope is accurately guided to the site of the foreign body. Various techniques may be employed for the removal of foreign bodies, depending on their characteristics and location. For instance, smooth-edged foreign bodies may be extracted using a balloon catheter, while impacted items, such as pieces of meat, are typically removed with forceps. Sharp foreign bodies require careful maneuvering into the lumen of the endoscope before removal. After the foreign body is successfully extracted, the endoscope is reintroduced to thoroughly examine the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and/or jejunum for any signs of perforation or other injuries that may have occurred during the incident or the procedure itself.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with removal of foreign body(s) is indicated for patients presenting with specific symptoms or conditions that necessitate intervention. These indications include:

  • Foreign Body Ingestion Patients who have ingested foreign objects that may become lodged in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.
  • Impaired Swallowing Individuals experiencing difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) due to the presence of a foreign body.
  • Abdominal Pain Patients presenting with unexplained abdominal pain that may be attributed to an obstructing foreign body.
  • Vomiting Individuals who exhibit persistent vomiting, which may indicate an obstruction caused by a foreign body.

2. Procedure

The procedure for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with removal of foreign body(s) involves several critical steps to ensure safe and effective intervention. These steps include:

  • Preparation The patient is positioned comfortably, and a local anesthetic spray is applied to the throat to minimize discomfort during the procedure. A hollow mouthpiece is placed in the patient's mouth to facilitate access.
  • Insertion of the Endoscope The flexible fiberoptic endoscope is carefully inserted into the mouth and advanced as the patient swallows. The endoscope is guided through the esophagus and into the stomach and duodenum under direct visualization.
  • Identification of the Foreign Body Once the endoscope reaches the site of the foreign body, the physician assesses its characteristics and location to determine the appropriate removal technique.
  • Removal of Smooth-Edged Foreign Bodies For smooth-edged foreign bodies, such as coins, a balloon catheter may be utilized. The catheter tip is advanced beyond the foreign body, and the balloon is inflated. The catheter is then withdrawn, pulling the foreign body out of the esophagus.
  • Removal of Impacted Foreign Bodies In cases of impacted foreign bodies, such as pieces of meat, forceps are passed through the endoscope. The forceps grasp the impacted object, allowing for its removal from the esophagus.
  • Removal of Sharp Foreign Bodies For sharp foreign bodies, such as tacks or razor blades, forceps are used to maneuver the object into the lumen of the endoscope. Both the foreign body and the endoscope are then carefully removed together.
  • Post-Removal Examination After the foreign body has been successfully removed, the endoscope is reintroduced to conduct a thorough examination of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and/or jejunum for any signs of perforation or other injuries that may have occurred during the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with removal of foreign body(s), patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. It is essential to observe for signs of perforation, bleeding, or infection. Patients may experience a sore throat or mild discomfort, which usually resolves quickly. Instructions regarding diet and activity levels post-procedure are provided, and follow-up care may be necessary to ensure complete recovery and to address any underlying issues that may have led to the foreign body ingestion.

Short Descr EGD REMOVE FOREIGN BODY
Medium Descr EGD FLEXIBLE FOREIGN BODY REMOVAL
Long Descr Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with removal of foreign body(s)
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 Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
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.
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.)
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
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.
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AF Specialty physician
AG Primary physician
AI Principal physician of record
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
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
ET Emergency services
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
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
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
PT Colorectal cancer screening test; converted to diagnostic test or other procedure
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
QJ Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
X2 Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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.
2015-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2014-01-01 Changed Description Changed
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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