CPT Code 43239: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with Biopsy

What is esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy (CPT 43239)?

CPT code 43239 refers to an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy, a procedure performed to visually inspect the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine). During this EGD procedure, a healthcare provider uses a flexible endoscope to examine these areas and collect tissue samples using biopsy forceps. This process helps diagnose conditions like gastritis, gastrointestinal diseases, ulcers, abnormal growths, or malignancies.

The procedure performed under CPT code 43239 is considered diagnostic. It may be indicated for a variety of reasons, such as unexplained upper abdominal pain, bleeding, difficulty swallowing, or suspicion of cancer. Collecting biopsies during the examination allows further investigation into the cause of symptoms and supports informed clinical decision-making.

Because this is a separate procedure that includes biopsy, code 43239 is used only when a biopsy is taken during the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. It should not be billed alongside 43235, which describes an EGD without biopsy. Understanding the appropriate use of this CPT code is essential for accurate billing, proper code selection, and compliant coding practices.

CPT code 43239 documentation requirements

Meeting the correct documentation requirements for CPT 43239 is vital to supporting medical necessity and ensuring compliance with billing and coding standards. Incomplete or unclear documentation can lead to claim denials, delayed payments, or revenue cycle issues. Proper documentation also helps optimize billing and ensures accurate coding for the services provided.

Key elements that should be documented when a healthcare provider performs an EGD procedure with biopsy include:

• Anatomic site examined: Specify all areas of the upper GI tract evaluated (e.g., esophagus, stomach, and duodenum) and indicate exactly where the biopsy forceps were used to collect tissue samples.
• Procedure performed and techniques used: Describe the insertion of the endoscope, visual inspection, findings, and the diagnostic purposes for obtaining the biopsies.
• Instruments used: Identify the type of endoscope and any accessories involved in the procedure.
• Clinical indications and diagnosis codes: Clearly document the patient's presenting symptoms, such as abdominal pain, reflux, or anemia, and include the applicable ICD-10 diagnosis codes that support the medical necessity of the procedure.
• Number of biopsies taken: Although 43239 CPT is billed once per session regardless of the number of biopsies, the count should still be documented for clarity.
• Modifiers (when applicable): Apply the appropriate modifier if needed:
  • 52 for reduced services (e.g., incomplete examination).
  • 53 if the procedure is discontinued before completion.

Proper documentation provides the foundation for accurate billing and supports the correct coding of this endoscopic procedure. This helps mitigate administrative costs related to claim rework and improves reimbursement outcomes.

CPT code 43239 billing guidelines

Following established coding guidelines is crucial for reporting CPT code 43239 accurately and ensuring proper reimbursement. Understanding how this code fits within the larger context of medical billing helps reduce errors and supports the integrity of the revenue cycle.

Parent and child code rules

CPT 43239 is a child code of 43235. Do not bill these codes together for the same session. When biopsies are performed, report the procedure using only CPT 43239.

Modifiers for accurate billing

• Use Modifier 52 if the full procedure was not completed (e.g., the duodenum was not examined).
• Use Modifier 53 when the procedure was discontinued for safety reasons and a repeat procedure is planned.
• If the procedure includes a professional component (physician services) and/or technical component (facility-related services), modifiers like Modifier 26 (Professional Component) may apply when billing is split between providers.

Avoiding unbundling with NCCI edits

Always check National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits to prevent billing conflicts when multiple endoscopic procedures are performed during the same session. Use appropriate modifiers like -59 or XS to indicate separate, distinct procedures when justified.

Reimbursement rate considerations

The reimbursement rate for CPT 43239 may vary based on several factors, including:

• Geographic location
• Whether the payer is Medicare or private insurance
• Whether both the technical component and professional component are billed together or billed separately

Common ICD-10 diagnosis codes supporting medical necessity

Some diagnosis codes frequently associated with CPT 43239 include:

• K29.00 – Gastritis and duodenitis, unspecified
• K21.9 – GERD (Gastro-esophageal reflux disease), without esophagitis
• K22.9 – Other diseases of the esophagus
• K31.89 – Other diseases of the stomach and duodenum
• C15.9 – Malignant neoplasm of the esophagus, unspecified

By adhering to these billing and coding practices, healthcare teams can maximize reimbursement, reduce denied claims, and maintain compliance with medical billing standards.

Other related codes

In addition to CPT 43239, several specific codes describe related upper gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures. Choosing the correct code ensures accurate billing for the services provided and supports proper classification of the procedure performed.

Here are related CPT codes to consider:

• 43235: Diagnostic EGD procedure, with or without specimen collection by brushing or washing, without biopsy.
• 43236: EGD with specimen collection via brushing or washing (not biopsy).
• 43249: EGD with transendoscopic ultrasound-guided injection(s).
• 43255: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), diagnostic.