Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Replacement of gastrostomy or cecostomy (or other colonic) tube, percutaneous, under fluoroscopic guidance including contrast injection(s), image documentation and report

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 49450 refers to the procedure for the replacement of a gastrostomy, cecostomy, or other colonic tube through a percutaneous approach, utilizing fluoroscopic guidance. This procedure is typically indicated when a tube has been accidentally dislodged or requires replacement for other reasons. During the procedure, the existing tube tract is carefully inspected and cleansed to ensure a sterile environment. The use of fluoroscopic guidance allows for real-time imaging, which is crucial for accurately placing the replacement tube. Contrast media is injected into the tract to enhance visibility and assess the anatomy before the new tube is inserted. A guidewire is then introduced to facilitate the placement of the replacement tube, which is advanced through the tract and secured in place. The procedure includes continuous radiographic imaging to monitor the placement and ensure that the tube is correctly positioned within the stomach, cecum, or other segments of the colon. Additionally, the procedure encompasses the documentation of images and a written report, which are essential for medical records and billing purposes. It is important to note that different codes are used for the replacement of other types of tubes, such as duodenostomy, jejunostomy, or gastrojejunostomy tubes, which are reported under CPT® Codes 49451 and 49452, respectively.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 49450 is indicated for the replacement of gastrostomy, cecostomy, or other colonic tubes. This replacement is particularly necessary in situations where the tube has been accidentally pulled out or is otherwise compromised. The procedure may also be indicated for patients who require ongoing nutritional support or bowel management through these types of tubes.

  • Accidental Dislodgement Replacement is required when the tube has been unintentionally removed from its position.
  • Tube Malfunction Replacement may be necessary if the tube is not functioning properly, leading to inadequate nutrition or bowel management.
  • Infection or Complications If there are signs of infection or other complications associated with the existing tube, replacement may be warranted.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the replacement of a gastrostomy, cecostomy, or other colonic tube involves several critical steps to ensure successful placement and patient safety.

  • Inspection and Cleansing The first step involves a thorough inspection of the existing tube tract. This is essential to identify any signs of infection or complications. The tract is then cleansed to maintain a sterile environment, which is crucial for preventing postoperative infections.
  • Contrast Injection Following the cleansing, contrast media is injected into the tract. This step is vital as it enhances the visibility of the anatomy during fluoroscopic imaging, allowing the physician to assess the tract and surrounding structures accurately.
  • Guidewire Insertion A guidewire is then inserted into the tract. This guidewire serves as a pathway for the replacement tube, ensuring that it can be accurately navigated into the correct position within the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Tube Replacement The replacement tube is advanced over the guidewire and pushed through the tract into the stomach, cecum, or other segments of the colon. This step requires careful manipulation to ensure proper placement without causing trauma to the surrounding tissues.
  • Securing the Tube Once the replacement tube is in position, it is secured internally with retention devices to prevent dislodgement. Additionally, the tube is anchored externally to the skin to provide further stability and security.
  • Continuous Imaging Throughout the entire procedure, continuous fluoroscopic imaging is performed. This real-time monitoring is essential for verifying the correct placement of the tube and ensuring that it is positioned appropriately within the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Documentation Finally, the procedure includes the generation of image documentation and a written report. This documentation is critical for medical records, billing, and compliance purposes.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure, patients may require monitoring for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or infection at the insertion site. It is important to provide instructions for care of the tube and the surrounding skin to prevent infection. Patients may also need follow-up appointments to assess the function of the new tube and ensure that it is providing adequate nutritional support or bowel management. Any signs of complications, such as leakage or discomfort, should be reported to the healthcare provider promptly. Additionally, proper documentation of the procedure and any post-procedure care instructions should be maintained in the patient's medical record.

Short Descr REPLACE G/C TUBE PERC
Medium Descr REPLACE GASTROSTOMY/CECOSTOMY TUBE PERCUTANEOUS
Long Descr Replacement of gastrostomy or cecostomy (or other colonic) tube, percutaneous, under fluoroscopic guidance including contrast injection(s), image documentation and report
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 Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
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) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 71 - Gastrostomy, temporary and permanent
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 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
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
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
ET Emergency services
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
Q1 Routine 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
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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
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
2008-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2008.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"