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Official Description

Small intestinal endoscopy, enteroscopy beyond second portion of duodenum, including ileum; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing (separate procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A small intestinal endoscopy, specifically referred to as enteroscopy beyond the second portion of the duodenum, is a diagnostic procedure that allows for the examination of the small intestine, including the ileum. This procedure can be performed with or without the collection of specimens, which may involve brushing or washing techniques. The process begins with the administration of an anesthetic spray to numb the mouth and throat, facilitating the insertion of a flexible fiberoptic endoscope. The patient swallows the endoscope, which is then carefully advanced through the esophagus and into the duodenum, guided by direct visualization. During the examination, the mucosal surfaces of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum are thoroughly inspected for any abnormalities. Following the initial inspection, the endoscope is withdrawn, allowing for a second evaluation of the intestinal mucosa. In the context of CPT® Code 44376, cell samples can be collected by introducing saline fluid into the small intestine and retrieving it, while separate procedures, such as those coded under CPT® Code 44377, involve obtaining tissue samples through biopsy techniques. These samples are subsequently sent for laboratory analysis to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The small intestinal endoscopy, enteroscopy beyond the second portion of the duodenum, is indicated for various clinical scenarios where direct visualization of the small intestine is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Evaluation of Abdominal Pain Persistent or unexplained abdominal pain that may be related to small intestinal pathology.
  • Investigation of Gastrointestinal Bleeding Occult or overt gastrointestinal bleeding that requires identification of the source within the small intestine.
  • Assessment of Malabsorption Syndromes Conditions leading to malabsorption, where small intestinal examination can provide insights into underlying causes.
  • Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Suspected cases of Crohn's disease or other inflammatory conditions affecting the small intestine.
  • Detection of Tumors or Polyps Identification of neoplastic lesions or polyps that may be present in the small intestine.

2. Procedure

The procedure for small intestinal endoscopy, enteroscopy beyond the second portion of the duodenum, involves several key steps that ensure a thorough examination of the small intestine:

  • Step 1: Preparation The patient is prepared for the procedure, which includes fasting and possibly the administration of an anesthetic spray to numb the throat and mouth, facilitating the insertion of the endoscope.
  • Step 2: Insertion of the Endoscope A hollow mouthpiece is placed in the patient's mouth to assist with the insertion of the flexible fiberoptic endoscope. The patient is instructed to swallow the endoscope, which is then carefully advanced through the esophagus.
  • Step 3: Advancement to the Duodenum Once the endoscope passes the cricopharyngeal region, it is guided into the duodenum using direct visualization. This step is crucial for ensuring that the endoscope reaches the appropriate area for examination.
  • Step 4: Inspection of Mucosal Surfaces The mucosal surfaces of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum are meticulously inspected for any abnormalities, such as lesions, inflammation, or other pathological changes.
  • Step 5: Withdrawal and Re-inspection After the initial inspection, the endoscope is withdrawn, allowing for a second evaluation of the intestinal mucosa to ensure that no abnormalities are missed.
  • Step 6: Collection of Specimens If indicated, cell samples may be obtained by brushing or washing saline fluid into the small intestine and collecting it. This step is essential for further laboratory analysis.
  • Step 7: Biopsy (if applicable) In cases where tissue samples are needed, the site for biopsy is identified, and biopsy forceps are introduced through the endoscope. The forceps are used to obtain tissue samples, which are then removed through the endoscope for separate laboratory analysis.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients undergoing small intestinal endoscopy typically involves monitoring for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or perforation. Patients may experience some discomfort or throat irritation due to the anesthetic spray and the procedure itself. It is important for patients to follow any specific post-procedure instructions provided by their healthcare provider, which may include dietary restrictions or activity limitations. Additionally, results from any collected specimens will be communicated to the patient, and follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss findings and further management if necessary.

Short Descr SMALL BOWEL ENDOSCOPY
Medium Descr ENTEROSC >2ND PRTN W/ILEUM W/WO COLLJ SPEC SPX
Long Descr Small intestinal endoscopy, enteroscopy beyond second portion of duodenum, including ileum; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing (separate procedure)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
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) 0 - 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.
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) P8I - Endoscopy - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 70 - Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, biopsy
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.
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).
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).
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
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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
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.
1994-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1994.
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