Coding Rules Current as at 18-Oct-2016 08: 31

Published 15 June 2015,
for implementation 01 July 2015.

Ref No: Q2939 | Published On: 15-Jun-2015 | Status: Current

SUBJECT: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)

NOTE: this may be a change in coding practice

Q:

What is the correct procedure code for biopsy of a lesion using EUS guidance?

A:

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is similar to other endoscopies but with an ultrasound probe attached at the end of the endoscope, which permits both visualisation and tissue sampling of gastrointestinal walls and structures surrounding the gastrointestinal tract. EUS is primarily used for assessing lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, but has increasingly been used for evaluating lesions of adjacent organs such as lung, mediastinum, left kidney, adrenal gland and lymph nodes (intra-thoracic and intra-abdominal).

When biopsy of a lesion is performed under EUS guidance, assign an appropriate code for the type of endoscopy (e.g. gastroscopy, gastroscopy with biopsy) and 30688-00 [1949] Endoscopic ultrasound. For example, EUS guided FNA (fine needle aspiration) biopsy of pancreas, assign:

30075-16 [977] Biopsy of pancreas

30473-00 [1005] Panendoscopy to duodenum

30688-00 [1949] Endoscopic ultrasound

Improvements to ACHI will be considered for a future edition.

Reference

Vilmann, P. & Saftoiu, A. (2006). Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy: equipment and technique. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. Vol 21(11), pages 1646-55. DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2006.04475.x