Question: The gastroenterologist treats a patient for bleeding gastric ulcers and also takes a biopsy in a separate upper GI area. How should I code for these procedures?Louisiana Subscriber
Answer: In this case, you should report the biopsy with 43239 (Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy including esophagus, stomach, and either the duodenum and/or jejunum as appropriate; with biopsy, single or multiple). Use 43255 (… with control of bleeding, any method) to report the ulcer treatment. Attach modifier 59 [...]
