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Code deleted, see 43756, 43757.

Official Description

Duodenal intubation and aspiration; single specimen (eg, simple bile study or afferent loop culture) plus appropriate test procedure

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Duodenal intubation and aspiration is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a tube into the duodenum, which is the first section of the small intestine. This procedure is performed to withdraw fluid from the duodenum for diagnostic testing. The fluid collected can be used for various analyses, such as a simple bile study or an afferent loop culture, which helps in assessing the function of the digestive system and identifying any potential abnormalities. The procedure is typically indicated when there is a need to evaluate the contents of the duodenum, particularly in cases where conditions affecting the pancreas or gallbladder are suspected. It is important to note that if the procedure involves stimulating the pancreas or gallbladder and obtaining multiple samples over a period of time, the appropriate code to use would be CPT® Code 89105. This distinction is crucial for accurate medical coding and billing, ensuring that the specific nature of the procedure is correctly represented in the medical record.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

  • Evaluation of Digestive Disorders The procedure is indicated for patients who exhibit symptoms suggesting abnormalities in the digestive system, particularly those related to bile production or pancreatic function.
  • Assessment of Bile Flow It is performed to assess the flow and composition of bile, which can be critical in diagnosing conditions such as cholestasis or biliary obstruction.
  • Investigation of Pancreatic Function The procedure may be indicated when there is a need to evaluate pancreatic function, especially in cases of suspected pancreatitis or pancreatic insufficiency.

2. Procedure

  • Preparation Prior to the procedure, the patient is typically required to fast for a specified period to ensure that the duodenum is clear of food and other substances that could interfere with the test results.
  • Insertion of the Tube A flexible tube is carefully inserted through the mouth or nose and advanced down the esophagus into the stomach, and then into the duodenum. This step requires precision to ensure that the tube reaches the correct anatomical location.
  • Aspiration of Duodenal Contents Once the tube is positioned in the duodenum, a syringe or suction device is used to withdraw fluid from the duodenal lumen. This fluid is collected for analysis, which may include testing for bile acids, enzymes, or other substances.
  • Testing Procedures The collected specimen is then subjected to appropriate test procedures, which may involve laboratory analysis to evaluate the presence of specific markers or pathogens, depending on the clinical indications.

3. Post-Procedure

After the duodenal intubation and aspiration procedure, the patient is typically monitored for any immediate complications, such as discomfort or adverse reactions. It is common for patients to experience some transient throat irritation or abdominal discomfort following the procedure. Recovery time may vary, but most patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure, provided there are no complications. Follow-up care may include discussing the results of the tests performed on the aspirated fluid and any further diagnostic or therapeutic steps that may be necessary based on those results.

Short Descr SAMPLE INTESTINAL CONTENTS
Medium Descr DUOL INTUBAJ&ASPIR 1 SPEC PLUS TST PX
Long Descr Duodenal intubation and aspiration; single specimen (eg, simple bile study or afferent loop culture) plus appropriate test procedure
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Ancillary Services
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 235 - Other Laboratory
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, see 43756, 43757.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
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