gastric emptying study cpt
Gastric Emptying Study CPT: A Comprehensive Guide
Gastric emptying refers to the process by which partially digested food (chyme) travels from the stomach into the small intestine. Measuring gastric emptying time is crucial for diagnosing and managing various gastrointestinal disorders. A gastric emptying study (GES) with CPT code 91104 is a valuable tool for evaluating gastric motility.What is a Gastric Emptying Study (GES)?
A GES is a procedure that uses gamma scintigraphy or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to track the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine. Patients ingest a small amount of radioactive or iron tracer with a solid meal, and images are acquired at regular intervals to visualize and measure the rate at which the meal leaves the stomach.When is a GES Indicated?
A GES may be recommended if you experience: * Persistent nausea and vomiting * Abdominal pain and distention * Gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying) * Diabetes * Obesity * Connective tissue disordersCPT Code for Gastric Emptying Study
The CPT code for a gastric emptying study (with radionucleotide or iron marker) is 91104. This code may be billed by radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians, or gastroenterologists who perform and interpret the study.Procedure
A GES typically involves the following steps: 1. Fasting for several hours before the procedure 2. Ingesting a small amount of radioactive or iron tracer with a standardized meal 3. Lying in a reclining position while images are taken over 2-4 hoursInterpretation
A GES report typically includes measurements such as: * Time to 50% emptying (T1/2) * Time to complete emptying (T90) * Retained volume at 2 hoursNormal Values
Normal gastric emptying times vary depending on the meal composition and the method used for measurement. For a solid-phase meal, the T50 is typically between 45-90 minutes, while the T90 is between 180-210 minutes.Abnormal Findings
Delayed gastric emptying (gastroparesis) is diagnosed when the T50 is longer than 2 hours or the T90 is longer than 4 hours. Gastroparesis may be caused by various factors, including: * Damage to the stomach muscles or nerves * Hormonal imbalances * Medications * InfectionsImportance of GES
A GES provides valuable information about gastric function and can help diagnose and manage gastroparesis and other gastrointestinal disorders. By measuring gastric emptying time, healthcare providers can: * Optimize medical treatment * Guide dietary modifications * Determine the need for surgical interventionRole of the Patient
Patients play a crucial role in ensuring an accurate GES. It is important to: * Follow the fasting instructions carefully * Ingest the radioactive or iron tracer as directed * Lie still during the imaging procedure * Inform the technologist of any recent medications or medical conditionsCost
The cost of a GES can vary depending on the location and the facility where the procedure is performed. The average cost ranges from $500 to $1,200.Interesting Cases
* A 35-year-old woman with a history of diabetes presented with persistent nausea and vomiting. A GES revealed gastroparesis, and her symptoms improved significantly after adjusting her medications and implementing dietary modifications. * A 50-year-old man underwent surgery for a perforated gastric ulcer. Postoperatively, a GES showed delayed gastric emptying, which was attributed to damage to the vagus nerve during the surgery. * A 20-year-old college student with anorexia nervosa was admitted to the hospital for electrolyte abnormalities. A GES revealed severely delayed gastric emptying, highlighting the importance of recognizing eating disorders and their potential impact on gastrointestinal function.Conclusion
A gastric emptying study (GES) is a valuable procedure used to evaluate gastric motility and diagnose gastrointestinal disorders. With CPT code 91104, healthcare providers can accurately measure gastric emptying time and provide appropriate treatment and management plans. By understanding the importance of a GES and cooperating with the healthcare team, you can contribute to a successful diagnosis and improve your overall health.Related recommon
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