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Coding for upper GI exam with small bowel follow-through

PostedJune 21, 2022
UpdatedJune 28, 2022

Q.

How do we report an upper gastrointestinal exam (UGI) with small bowel follow-through using the updated CPT® codes for 2020? 

A.

For 2020, you would report two CPT® codes for an UGI with small bowel follow-through. You would choose from 74240 or 74246 for the UGI exam and also report add-on code 74248 for the small bowel follow-through. 

Code 74240 is reported for an UGI with single contrast; and code 74246 is reported for a double contrast UGI. The complete code descriptions are as follows: 

74240 Radiologic examination, upper gastrointestinal tract, including scout abdominal radiograph(s) and delayed image(s) when performed; single-contrast (e.g., barium) study

74246 Radiologic examination, upper gastrointestinal tract, including scout abdominal radiograph(s) and delayed image(s) when performed; double-contrast (e.g., high-density barium and effervescent agent) study, including glucagon, when administered

74248 Radiologic small intestine follow-through study, including multiple serial images (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure for upper GI radiologic examination)