cpt code for gastric emptying study
Gastric Emptying Study: A Comprehensive Guide for Understanding the CPT Code
Gastric emptying study (GES) is a medical procedure used to evaluate the rate at which the stomach empties its contents. It is a valuable tool for diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) and pyloric stenosis (narrowing of the stomach outlet).
CPT Code for Gastric Emptying Study
The CPT code for gastric emptying study is
74215. This code includes the following services:
* Administration of a liquid or solid meal containing a radioactive tracer
* Imaging the stomach at regular intervals to measure the rate of emptying
Indications for Gastric Emptying Study
GES is typically performed when a patient experiences symptoms suggestive of delayed stomach emptying or pyloric stenosis. These symptoms may include:
* Nausea and vomiting
* Abdominal pain
* Bloating
* Early satiety (feeling full after eating only a small amount)
* Weight loss
* Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Procedure for Gastric Emptying Study
A gastric emptying study is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. The patient will be asked to fast for 8-12 hours before the test.
During the procedure, the patient will swallow a liquid or solid meal containing a radioactive tracer. The tracer is typically technetium-99m sulfur colloid or diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA).
The patient will then lie under a gamma camera, which will take images of the stomach at regular intervals over several hours. The images will show the location of the radioactive tracer and the rate at which the stomach is emptying.
Interpretation of Gastric Emptying Study Results
The results of a gastric emptying study are typically reported as the half-emptying time (T1/2). This is the time it takes for half of the radioactive tracer to leave the stomach.
Normal half-emptying times for liquids and solids are as follows:
* Liquids: 60-120 minutes
* Solids: 90-240 minutes
A prolonged half-emptying time may indicate delayed stomach emptying. A very rapid half-emptying time may suggest pyloric stenosis.
Complications of Gastric Emptying Study
Gastric emptying study is a generally safe procedure with few complications. The most common complication is nausea, which can occur after swallowing the radioactive tracer. Other potential complications include:
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Radiation exposure (the amount of radiation used in a gastric emptying study is very small and does not pose a significant health risk)
Cost of Gastric Emptying Study
The cost of a gastric emptying study varies depending on the facility where it is performed. The average cost is around $500-$1,000.
Insurance Coverage for Gastric Emptying Study
Most insurance plans cover gastric emptying study when it is medically necessary. However, it is important to check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage.
Interesting Story Cases
Here are some interesting story cases that illustrate the use of gastric emptying study:
* A 25-year-old woman with a history of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain was found to have gastroparesis on gastric emptying study. The patient was treated with prokinetic medications and her symptoms improved significantly.
* A 50-year-old man with a history of weight loss and early satiety was found to have pyloric stenosis on gastric emptying study. The patient underwent surgery to widen the pyloric outlet and his symptoms resolved.
* A 65-year-old woman with a history of GERD was found to have delayed gastric emptying on gastric emptying study. The patient was treated with acid-suppressing medications and her GERD symptoms resolved.
Humorous Language
Gastric emptying study can be a bit uncomfortable, but its important to remember that its a valuable tool for diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders. So, if your doctor recommends a gastric emptying study, dont be afraid to swallow the radioactive tracer and let the camera do its work. After all, its all for the greater good!
Conclusion
Gastric emptying study is a safe and effective procedure for diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders. It is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of the procedure with your doctor before making a decision.
Related recommon
1、sin studio
2、progeny press study guides
3、hebrew greek key word study bible
4、sweat cycling studio wakefield
5、toy story studio crossword clue