CPT® Code 91034

Esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux test; with nasal catheter pH electrode(s) placement, recording, analysis and interpretation

The CPT® Code 91034 refers to a specific diagnostic procedure known as the esophagus gastroesophageal reflux test, which is utilized to evaluate patients who exhibit symptoms indicative of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This test is particularly relevant for individuals who have been diagnosed with GERD but are not experiencing adequate relief from their current treatment regimen. The procedure involves the placement of a nasal catheter that contains a pH electrode, which is strategically positioned near the lower esophagus. This catheter is connected to a portable external monitor that the patient wears, typically secured around the waist or shoulder. Over a continuous monitoring period of 24 hours, the pH electrode measures the acidity levels within the esophagus. These pH levels fluctuate in response to the presence of stomach acid that may reflux into the esophagus, providing critical data regarding the frequency and duration of acid exposure. Patients are instructed to actively participate in the monitoring process by pressing a button on the external monitor to record specific events, such as the onset of symptoms, meal times, and changes in body position, which can all influence reflux episodes. After the monitoring period, the patient returns to the physician's office for the removal of the catheter, and the recorded data is subsequently analyzed and interpreted by the physician, culminating in a comprehensive written report that outlines the findings of the test.