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Code deleted, see 43754, 43755.

Official Description

Gastric intubation, aspiration, and fractional collections (eg, gastric secretory study); 2 hours including gastric stimulation (eg, histalog, pentagastrin)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 89140 involves gastric intubation, aspiration, and fractional collections, which are essential components in conducting a gastric secretory study. This procedure entails the insertion of a tube through the patient's nose or mouth, extending it into the stomach. The primary objective is to draw fluid from the stomach over a specified duration, which in this case is two hours. During this time, the stomach may be stimulated using agents such as histalog or pentagastrin, which are pharmacological substances that enhance gastric secretory activity. This stimulation is crucial for obtaining accurate measurements of gastric secretions, which can provide valuable insights into the digestive process and the functionality of the stomach. It is important to note that if the test is performed over a different duration or without stimulation, different CPT codes should be utilized, such as Code 89136 for a one-hour test or Code 89141 for a three-hour test with stimulation. Understanding these distinctions is vital for accurate coding and billing in medical practice.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 89140 is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessment of gastric secretory function is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this procedure:

  • Gastric Secretory Disorders Patients presenting with symptoms indicative of abnormal gastric secretory function may require this study to evaluate their condition.
  • Diagnostic Evaluation This procedure is often utilized in the diagnostic workup of gastrointestinal disorders to assess the stomach's ability to secrete gastric fluids.
  • Preoperative Assessment In certain cases, this test may be performed as part of a preoperative evaluation to understand gastric function prior to surgical interventions.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 89140 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate gastric secretory assessment. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Preparation The patient is prepared for the procedure, which includes fasting for a specified period prior to the test to ensure that the stomach is empty. This preparation is essential for obtaining accurate results.
  • Step 2: Insertion of the Tube A flexible tube is carefully inserted through the patient's nose or mouth and advanced into the stomach. This step requires precision to ensure that the tube is correctly positioned for effective aspiration of gastric contents.
  • Step 3: Aspiration of Gastric Contents Once the tube is in place, gastric contents are aspirated over the course of two hours. This involves drawing fluid from the stomach at regular intervals to collect samples for analysis.
  • Step 4: Gastric Stimulation During the aspiration process, gastric stimulation may be administered using agents such as histalog or pentagastrin. This stimulation is crucial as it enhances gastric secretory activity, allowing for a more comprehensive evaluation of gastric function.
  • Step 5: Collection and Analysis The collected gastric fluids are then analyzed to assess the secretory function of the stomach. The results of this analysis can provide valuable insights into the patient's gastric health.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure, the patient may be monitored for any immediate adverse effects related to the gastric intubation. It is important to ensure that the patient is stable and that there are no complications arising from the tube insertion. Patients may be advised to resume normal activities as tolerated, but specific post-procedure instructions should be provided based on individual circumstances. Additionally, the results of the gastric secretory study will be communicated to the referring physician for further evaluation and management of the patient's condition.

Short Descr SAMPLE STOMACH CONTENTS
Medium Descr GSTR INTUBAJ ASPIR&FXJAL COLLJ 2 HR GSTR STIMJ
Long Descr Gastric intubation, aspiration, and fractional collections (eg, gastric secretory study); 2 hours including gastric stimulation (eg, histalog, pentagastrin)
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 234 - Pathology
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, see 43754, 43755.
2008-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
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