AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) — Question 74

A patient complains of tarry, black stool, and epigastric tightness. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy is recommended to evaluate the source of the bleeding. The endoscope is inserted orally. The esophagus appears normal on scope insertion. No evidence of bleeding in the stomach. The scope is then passed into the duodenum, where a polyp is found and removed with hot biopsy forceps. No evidence of bleeding post procedure.
What CPT® code is reported?

Answer options

• A. 43251
• B. 43250
• C. 43255
• D. 43270

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct CPT® code is 43250, which is designated for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy of the duodenum. Option A (43251) is for a more extensive procedure involving additional interventions, while option C (43255) pertains to endoscopic procedures involving stent placement, and option D (43270) is for a different type of endoscopic examination that does not match the described procedure.