CPT code 21248: Partial mandible and maxilla reconstruction
Report CPT 21248 for three or fewer teeth, or under half the dental arch. Past that, 21249 applies.
CPT code 19000: Puncture aspiration of cyst of breast
CPT code 19000 covers puncture aspiration of a cyst of the breast, performed without imaging guidance. The rule is one line per session, and these claims still come back denied more often than the work deserves. Under-billing is the quiet version of the problem. A second cyst goes unpaid, or a bilateral case bills as […]
CPT Code 20972: Free osteocutaneous flap billing guide
CPT code 20972: Definition and clinical description CPT code 20972 describes the free osteocutaneous flap with microvascular anastomosis; metatarsal. The American Medical Association (AMA) publishes and maintains it as part of the CPT code set. It sits in the “Other procedures on the musculoskeletal system” section, which covers codes 20950 through 20999. Coders in plastic […]
CPT code 17284: Malignant lesion destruction, 3.1-4.0 cm
CPT code 17284 covers destruction of a 3.1 to 4.0 cm malignant facial lesion. Get the 2026 RVU values, Medicare estimates, and ICD-10 pairings. Read more.
CPT code 17260: What it covers and what Medicare pays
CPT code 17260 covers malignant lesion destruction on the trunk, arms, or legs at 0.5 cm or less. Find out what Medicare pays and how to document the claim.
CPT Code 20938: Structural autograft for spine surgery billing guide
CPT Code 20938 covers structural bicortical autograft through a separate incision. Medicare paid about $163 per line in 2026.
CPT Code 43233: EGD with esophageal balloon dilation
CPT Code 43233 covers an esophagogastroduodenoscopy with dilation of the esophagus using a balloon 30 mm in diameter or larger. Balloon size decides the code. Anything under 30 mm bills as CPT 43249 instead. The American Medical Association updates the CPT code set every year, so confirm the descriptor annually. This reference covers the official […]
CPT Code 43273: ERCP Direct Visualization Billing Guide
CPT Code 43273 is an add-on code for endoscopic cannulation of the papilla with direct visualization of the pancreatic or common bile duct. Specifically, it reports the cholangioscopy or pancreatoscopy component of an ERCP session, and it never appears alone on a claim. Because the American Medical Association maintains the CPT code set, payers audit […]
CPT Code 43361: Gastrointestinal reconstruction billing guide
CPT Code 43361 is the billable code for gastrointestinal reconstruction after a previous esophagectomy, an obstructing esophageal lesion, a fistula, or a prior esophageal exclusion. What sets it apart is the technique: colon interposition or small intestine reconstruction, including intestine mobilization, preparation, and anastomosis(es). It is a major surgical code with a 90-day global period […]
CPT Code 43653: Laparoscopic gastrostomy billing guide
CPT Code 43653: definition and clinical description CPT Code 43653 describes a laparoscopic surgical gastrostomy performed without construction of a gastric tube. The official American Medical Association (AMA) descriptor reads: “Laparoscopy, surgical; gastrostomy, without construction of gastric tube (eg, Stamm procedure) (separate procedure).” The parenthetical reference to the Stamm procedure and the “(separate procedure)” designation […]