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The CPT® Code 43887 refers to a specific surgical procedure known as a gastric restrictive procedure, which is performed through an open approach. This procedure involves the removal of the subcutaneous port component only, which is a part of the gastric banding system used for weight loss. The subcutaneous port is an access point that allows for adjustments to the gastric band, which is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. The procedure is typically indicated when there are complications such as infection at the port site or when the port is no longer functioning properly. During the operation, an incision is made over the access port, and the surrounding subcutaneous fat and capsule are carefully divided to expose the port. The port is then inspected, and if it is determined that it cannot be repaired or is not needed, it is removed. Importantly, the remaining components of the gastric band, including the band itself, are left in place. The procedure concludes with the port site being irrigated and packed with gauze, allowing it to heal naturally without surgical closure, a process known as healing by secondary intention.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 43887 is indicated for specific conditions related to the subcutaneous port of a gastric banding system. The primary indications include:
The procedure for CPT® Code 43887 involves several critical steps, which are detailed as follows:
After the completion of the procedure, the patient is monitored for any immediate complications, particularly related to the site of the incision. The port site, being left open, will require careful management to ensure proper healing. Patients may be advised on how to care for the site, including keeping it clean and dry. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to assess the healing process and to address any potential complications that may arise. It is important for patients to report any signs of infection or unusual symptoms during their recovery period.
| Short Descr | REMOVE GASTRIC PORT OPEN | Medium Descr | GSTR RSTCV PX OPN RMVL SUBQ PORT COMPONENT ONLY | Long Descr | Gastric restrictive procedure, open; removal of subcutaneous port component only | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple 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) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | T-Packaged Codes | ASC Payment Indicator | Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 244 - Gastric bypass and volume reduction |
| 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. | 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.) | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2006-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2006. |
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