2026 Gastroenterology Reimbursement and Coding Update (Virtual) | November 2025-Proper Documentation for Advanced Endoscopy: Reimbursement Tips when Billing Unlisted Procedure Codes

Pdf Summary

This comprehensive presentation by Kathleen Mueller, CPC, CCS-P, provides detailed guidance on proper documentation and billing for advanced endoscopic procedures. The webinar covers numerous advanced techniques, including Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR), Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection, Pancreatic Necrosectomy, EDGE (Endoscopic Ultrasound Directed Transgastric ERCP), Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM), Gastric POEM (G-POEM), Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF), Optical Endomicroscopy, and endoscopic closure of fistulas.<br /><br />Key points include detailed examples of procedure documentation emphasizing comprehensive descriptions of anatomy viewed, diagnostic findings, therapeutic interventions, and patient tolerance. For example, EUS reporting must specify examined GI tract areas, and EMR notes must highlight lesion demarcation and use of special devices, as payers frequently deny incomplete descriptions. The presentation instructs on appropriate CPT coding, modifiers, and handling of unlisted procedure codes—frequent in advanced endoscopy due to lack of specific CPT codes.<br /><br />For unlisted procedures (e.g., pancreatic necrosectomy, EDGE, G-POEM), specific unlisted CPT codes (e.g., 48999, 47999) are recommended along with comparator RVUs from related surgical codes to justify reimbursement. The material stresses the importance of submitting detailed procedural descriptions, supporting medical necessity, complexity, and time involved through operative notes and tailored cover letters. Sample cover letters are provided to aid in payer communication, highlighting patient benefit, complexity, and cost-effectiveness of endoscopic over open surgeries.<br /><br />The presentation also addresses procedure-specific billing nuances, such as modifiers, co-surgeon coordination (e.g., TIF with hiatal hernia repair), and payer expectations for documentation completeness in claims processing.<br /><br />In summary, effective documentation, accurate coding, detailed procedure descriptions, and proactive claims management are critical to secure appropriate reimbursement and demonstrate compliance in advanced endoscopic procedures. This resource is valuable for clinicians, coders, and billers involved in complex endoscopic service documentation and claims processing.

Asset Subtitle

Kathleen A. Mueller, RN, CPC, QMC, QGMC, CCS-P, ICD-10 Proficient

Keywords

Advanced Endoscopic Procedures

Documentation Guidance

Billing and Coding

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)

Unlisted CPT Codes

Procedure Documentation

Claims Management

Payer Communication

Modifiers and Co-surgeon Coordination