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The CPT® Code 44126 refers to an enterectomy, specifically the resection of the small intestine due to congenital atresia, which is a birth defect characterized by the complete obstruction of the small intestine. This condition leads to the dilation of the intestinal segment that is proximal to the obstruction, potentially causing complications such as stomach dilation and hypertrophy of the pylorus. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a midline incision in the abdomen to access the abdominal cavity, allowing for a thorough inspection of the internal organs, including the liver and gallbladder. The obstructed and dilated section of the small intestine is carefully identified and separated from surrounding tissues. Blood vessels supplying this segment are clamped and ligated to prevent excessive bleeding. The surgeon then divides the small intestine using either staples or noncrushing clamps, removing the dilated segment. The remaining proximal and distal segments of the small intestine are then sutured together in a process known as anastomosis. In the case of CPT® Code 44126, this anastomosis is performed without tapering the dilated proximal segment, which distinguishes it from similar procedures that involve tapering. This code is applicable for a single resection and anastomosis, while additional segments requiring similar intervention are coded differently.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 44126 is indicated for patients diagnosed with congenital atresia of the small intestine. This condition is characterized by a complete obstruction of the small intestine, which can lead to significant complications if not addressed. The following are specific indications for performing this procedure:
The procedure for CPT® Code 44126 involves several critical steps to ensure the successful resection and anastomosis of the small intestine. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the procedure, patients typically require careful monitoring and post-operative care. Expected recovery may involve a hospital stay where the surgical site is observed for any signs of complications such as infection or leakage at the anastomosis site. Patients may initially be placed on a restricted diet, gradually progressing to normal feeding as tolerated. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing process and ensure that the intestinal function is restored effectively. Additional considerations may include managing pain and monitoring for any gastrointestinal symptoms that may arise during recovery.
| Short Descr | ENTERECTOMY W/O TAPER CONG | Medium Descr | ENTRC RESCJ ATRESIA RESCJ & ANAST W/O TAPRING | Long Descr | Enterectomy, resection of small intestine for congenital atresia, single resection and anastomosis of proximal segment of intestine; without tapering | 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 | Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 75 - Small bowel resection |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 44128 | Addon Code Modifier 63 Exempt MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Illustration for Code Enterectomy, resection of small intestine for congenital atresia, single resection and anastomosis of proximal segment of intestine; each additional resection and anastomosis (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 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). | 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. | 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). |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2002-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2002. |
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