Endoscopic Treatment of GI Strictures

Today, “Spotlight on CPT” will cover new Category III CPT for the endoscopic treatment of GI strictures. With the 2025 CPT code update, three new codes were added in the temporary code section of CPT (Category III), to capture treatment of GI strictures. 

A stricture is a narrowing of a tubular body part which can be the result of inflammation or injury. The new codes being discussed here are for strictures in the gastrointestinal system.

The first code we will cover is 0884T. This procedure is performed for an esophageal stricture and would be performed via an esophagoscopy. Initially, a mechanical dilated is done and then followed by therapeutic drug delivery with a drug-coated balloon catheter. The code is inclusive of any fluoroscopic guidance that may be used.

Source: https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/esophageal-strictures

Intestinal strictures can occur in any section of the colon and there is a possibility that the patient could have multiple strictures. When there is a stricture in the colon as seen below, code 0886T will be used when a sigmoidoscopy is performed for treatment. Notice how this code is very similar in description as 0884T for the esophagus. Again, we see that an initial mechanical dilation would be performed, followed by a therapeutic drug delivery with a drug-coated balloon. This code also includes any fluoroscopic guidance when it is used.

Source: https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/crohns-disease/colon-stricture

Finally, when there is an intestinal stricture treated with a colonoscopy, code 0885T is assigned. This code represents the mechanical dilation followed by the therapeutic drug delivery with a drug-coated balloon for a colonic stricture and once again, will include fluoroscopy.

A key point to remember when assigning these Category III CPT codes for colonic strictures is that when multiple strictures are treated in the same manner during the same procedure, coding professionals should assign 0886T or 0885T as appropriated for each additional stricture dilated and apply modifier 59.

Now, light has been shed on endoscopic treatment of GI strictures.

 

About the Author

Dianna Foley, RHIA, CCS, CDIP, CHPS, has 25 years of HIM experience. She’s an AHIMA-approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer, an AHIMA-published author, a participant in AHIMA credential item writing and exam development, and served on the AHIMA Nominating Committee. She presents on coding topics at the national, state, and regional levels and serves as OHIMA’s Education Coordinator.