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Official Description

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) by hot biopsy forceps

© 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 the examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and in some cases, the jejunum. This procedure is performed using a flexible fiberoptic endoscope, which is a thin, lighted tube that is inserted through the mouth and advanced down the digestive tract. The primary purpose of the EGD is to visually inspect these areas for any abnormalities, such as tumors, polyps, or other lesions. During the procedure, the patient is typically given an anesthetic spray to numb the mouth and throat, facilitating the insertion of the endoscope. A hollow mouthpiece is used to keep the mouth open, allowing for easier access to the esophagus. Once the endoscope is inserted and the patient swallows it, the physician guides the scope through the esophagus, stomach, and into the duodenum, using direct visualization to inspect the mucosal surfaces for any irregularities. If any lesions are identified, they can be removed using hot biopsy forceps, which allow for simultaneous removal and cauterization of the tissue. This method is particularly effective for small polyps and vascular ectasias. Alternatively, lesions can also be removed using a snare technique, which involves placing a wire snare loop around the lesion and heating it to excise and cauterize the tissue. The EGD procedure is crucial for diagnosing and treating various gastrointestinal conditions, providing valuable insights into the health of the upper digestive tract.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) procedure is indicated for various gastrointestinal conditions and symptoms, including but not limited to:

  • Suspicion of Tumors The procedure is performed when there is a clinical suspicion of tumors in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum that require further evaluation.
  • Presence of Polyps EGD is indicated for the detection and removal of polyps that may pose a risk for malignancy.
  • Gastrointestinal Bleeding The procedure is utilized to investigate the source of gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly when lesions or vascular ectasias are suspected.
  • Dysphagia EGD may be indicated for patients experiencing difficulty swallowing, to identify any obstructions or abnormalities in the esophagus.
  • Chronic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) The procedure can be performed to assess the esophagus for complications related to chronic GERD.

2. Procedure

The esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) procedure involves several key steps to ensure a thorough examination and potential treatment of identified lesions:

  • Step 1: Preparation Prior to the procedure, the patient is typically instructed to fast for a specified period to ensure an empty stomach. An anesthetic spray is applied to the throat to minimize discomfort during the insertion of the endoscope.
  • Step 2: Insertion of the Endoscope A hollow mouthpiece is placed in the patient's mouth to keep it open. The flexible fiberoptic endoscope is then carefully inserted through the mouth and advanced down the esophagus as the patient swallows. This allows for direct visualization of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
  • Step 3: Inspection of the Esophagus Once the endoscope is positioned beyond the cricopharyngeal region, the physician inspects the esophagus for any abnormalities, documenting any findings for further evaluation.
  • Step 4: Examination of the Stomach The endoscope is advanced into the stomach, where air is insufflated to expand the stomach for better visualization. The cardia, fundus, greater and lesser curvature, and antrum of the stomach are thoroughly inspected for lesions or abnormalities.
  • Step 5: Evaluation of the Duodenum and/or Jejunum The tip of the endoscope is passed through the pylorus into the duodenum and/or jejunum, allowing for inspection of the mucosal surfaces in these areas.
  • Step 6: Removal of Lesions If tumors, polyps, or other lesions are identified during the procedure, the physician utilizes hot biopsy forceps to remove them. This method allows for the simultaneous removal and cauterization of tissue, which is particularly effective for small polyps and vascular ectasias.

3. Post-Procedure

After the esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) procedure, patients are typically monitored for a short period to ensure they recover from the sedation and any potential complications. It is common for patients to experience a sore throat or mild discomfort following the procedure, which usually resolves quickly. Patients may be advised to refrain from eating or drinking until the effects of the anesthetic have worn off and they can swallow safely. Follow-up instructions may include monitoring for any unusual symptoms, such as persistent pain or bleeding, and scheduling any necessary follow-up appointments to discuss biopsy results or further treatment options if lesions were removed.

Short Descr EGD CAUTERY TUMOR POLYP
Medium Descr EGD FLEX REMOVAL LESION(S) BY HOT BIOPSY FORCEPS
Long Descr Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) by hot biopsy forceps
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).
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.)
AG Primary physician
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
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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
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.
2015-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2014-01-01 Changed Description Changed
1994-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1994.
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