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Official Description

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) by snare technique

© 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, and duodenum. This procedure is performed using a flexible fiberoptic endoscope, which is a thin, lighted tube that is inserted through the mouth and advanced through the gastrointestinal tract. The primary purpose of this procedure is to identify and assess abnormalities within these organs, such as tumors, polyps, or other lesions. During the EGD, the physician can also perform therapeutic interventions, such as the removal of these abnormal growths. The removal of lesions can be accomplished using various techniques, including the snare technique, which is specifically indicated in CPT® Code 43251. This technique involves placing a wire snare loop around the lesion, which is then heated to excise and cauterize the tissue, ensuring effective removal while minimizing bleeding. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, where the mouth and throat are numbed to facilitate the insertion of the endoscope, and the patient is often asked to swallow the endoscope as it is advanced through the gastrointestinal tract.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with removal of tumors, polyps, or other lesions is indicated for various conditions and symptoms that may affect the upper gastrointestinal tract. These indications include:

  • Abnormal Growths The presence of tumors, polyps, or other lesions in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum that require evaluation and potential removal.
  • Gastrointestinal Bleeding Unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding that necessitates investigation to identify the source and treat any lesions contributing to the bleeding.
  • Dysphagia Difficulty swallowing, which may be caused by obstructions or lesions in the esophagus.
  • Persistent Abdominal Pain Ongoing abdominal pain that may be related to underlying gastrointestinal conditions requiring further examination.
  • Surveillance Monitoring of known lesions or conditions, such as Barrett's esophagus, to assess for changes or progression.

2. Procedure

The procedure for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with removal of lesions involves several key steps:

  • Preparation The patient is prepared for the procedure, which includes fasting for a specified period prior to the EGD. An anesthetic spray is applied to numb the mouth and throat, facilitating the insertion of the endoscope.
  • 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. The endoscope is guided using direct visualization.
  • Inspection of the Esophagus Once the endoscope reaches the esophagus, the physician inspects the lining for any abnormalities, such as lesions or signs of disease.
  • Advancement to the Stomach The endoscope is advanced into the stomach, where air is insufflated to expand the stomach for better visualization. The physician inspects various regions of the stomach, including the cardia, fundus, greater and lesser curvature, and antrum.
  • Inspection of the Duodenum The endoscope is then passed through the pylorus into the duodenum and/or jejunum, allowing for inspection of the mucosal surfaces for any abnormalities.
  • Removal of Lesions After inspection, any identified tumors, polyps, or lesions are removed. In the case of CPT® Code 43251, a wire snare loop is placed around the lesion, which is then heated to excise and cauterize the tissue. This can be done in a single placement or piecemeal, depending on the size and nature of the lesion.
  • Withdrawal of the Endoscope After the removal of lesions, the endoscope is carefully withdrawn from the gastrointestinal tract, and the procedure is concluded.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with lesion removal, patients are typically monitored for a short period to ensure recovery from anesthesia and to check for any immediate complications. It is common for patients to experience a sore throat or mild discomfort after the procedure, which usually resolves quickly. Patients may be advised to avoid eating or drinking until the effects of the anesthesia have worn off. Depending on the findings and any interventions performed, further follow-up care may be necessary, including additional monitoring or treatment for any identified conditions. Patients should be informed about potential signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding or difficulty swallowing, and instructed to seek medical attention if these occur.

Short Descr EGD REMOVE LESION SNARE
Medium Descr EGD REMOVAL TUMOR POLYP/OTHER LESION SNARE TECH
Long Descr Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) by snare technique
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.
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main 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.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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).
56 Preoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the preoperative care and evaluation and another performed the surgical procedure, the preoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 56 to the usual procedure number.
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.
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.
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
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
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
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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
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
UB Medicaid level of care 11, as defined by each state
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
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
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2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2014-01-01 Changed Description Changed
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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