How To Code For Optical Endomicroscopy? (An Optical Biopsy)
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What is it?
This technique involves use of optical technology to see enlarged view of cell, tissues in real time. It is also called Optical Biopsy. The doctor uses a probe, which is used to view the cellular structures in the organ concerned. It is found to be useful in:
- Barrette’s esophagus in detecting dysplastic lesions.
- In early detection of gastric cancer and intestinal metaplasia.
- Detection of malignant bilio-pancreatic strictures.
- Diagnosis of pancreatic cysts.
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
- Helps to differentiate between neoplastic and non neoplastic tissue.
- Detecting residual neoplasia after concerned tissue removal.
Coding
The year 2013 saw the allocation of two CPT codes:
43206 – Esophagoscopy with optical endomicroscopy.
43252 – EGD with optical endomicroscopy.
These procedures cannot be reported with other endoscopy procedures. They are reported as separate and distinct procedures.
Payment
43206 and 43252 attracted an average payment of $149 & $186 respectively in a facility setting.