CPT® Code 44705

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), also known as fecal bacteriotherapy, is a medical procedure aimed at treating recurrent Clostridium difficile infections. This treatment involves the transfer of fecal matter from a healthy donor into the gastrointestinal tract of an infected patient. The primary goal of FMT is to restore the balance of normal bacterial flora in the patient's intestines, which can be disrupted due to antibiotic use or infection. The process begins with the careful selection of a donor, whose stool sample must be free from infectious diseases such as hepatitis A, B, and C, HIV-1 and HIV-2, as well as other conditions that could compromise the safety of the transplant. The preparation of the fecal microbiota for instillation includes a thorough assessment of the donor specimen, ensuring that it meets strict health criteria. The stool sample is then processed through various steps, including homogenization and filtration, to prepare it for administration, which is typically performed via enema or nasogastric tube. The CPT® Code 44705 specifically captures the physician's work involved in the assessment and preparation of the fecal microbiota, highlighting the importance of meticulous donor screening and sample preparation in the success of the procedure.