CPT 0967T: Insertion of Vacuum-Anchored Colorectal Protective Device

CPT code 0967T represents insertion of a temporary vacuum-anchored protective device into the colon via the anus to protect a newly created colorectal anastomosis. This code captures a novel intra-luminal approach that may reduce anastomotic leak risk and support postoperative management after colorectal resection. Nationally, the code is relevant to surgical departments, colorectal specialists, and payers assessing coverage for advanced device-supported anastomotic protection.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise clinical description, expected sites of service and service type, and an overview of common modifiers used in billing practice. The publication provides benchmarking context where available, summarizes coding and billing considerations tied to device-supported anastomotic protection, and outlines clinical scenarios in which the procedure is typically employed.

The report is written for a national audience of billing professionals, surgical clinicians, and policy analysts seeking to understand how CPT code 0967T is used in practice, what documentation supports its use, and which payer audiences commonly engage with claims for this service. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 0967T describes insertion of a temporary protective device into the colon through the anus to protect a newly created colorectal anastomosis. The device uses vacuum technology to anchor in place and includes a flexible sheath connected to an external vacuum source and monitoring system to help maintain position and function.

Service type: Procedural implant of a temporary internal protective device for colorectal anastomosis
Typical site of service: Operating room or procedure suite, with postoperative monitoring in inpatient or outpatient surgical recovery settings

Clinical Context

A typical patient is an adult who has undergone elective colorectal resection with creation of a low pelvic colorectal or coloanal anastomosis for conditions such as rectal cancer, complicated diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease. During the index surgery the surgeon places a temporary protective intraluminal vacuum-anchored device via the anus to protect the newly created anastomosis, control local secretions, and allow monitoring while the anastomosis heals. The device consists of an intraluminal anchoring portion and a flexible sheath connected to an external vacuum source and monitoring system. Postoperative workflow includes placement at the end of the resection/anastomosis procedure in the operating room or immediately postoperatively in the endoscopy suite; connection to suction and the monitoring system; routine bedside assessments of device function, stoma and perineal wound status; and planned device removal once anastomotic integrity is confirmed, typically after several days to weeks depending on clinical course. Common concurrent care includes perioperative antibiotics, analgesia, bowel rest or restricted diet, serial abdominal exams, and imaging or endoscopic evaluation if leak is suspected. Typical sites of service are the operating room, ambulatory surgery center, or endoscopy suite with subsequent inpatient hospital monitoring until device removal or patient discharge.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when the procedure requires substantially greater work than typical due to complexity or intraoperative complications.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
`207V00000X`	Colon and Rectal Surgery	Specialty most commonly performing colorectal anastomosis and intraluminal protective device placement.
`207L00000X`	General Surgery	General surgeons performing colorectal resections and device placement.
`2080S0125X`	Surgical Oncology	Surgeons performing oncologic colorectal resections where protective devices may be used.
`207RP1002X`	Gastroenterology	Gastroenterologists may place or remove intraluminal devices in the endoscopy suite for select patients.
`363A00000X`	Critical Care Medicine	Critical care physicians involved in postoperative management for high-risk patients.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`C20`	Malignant neoplasm of rectum	Rectal cancer often requires low anterior resection with colorectal anastomosis and use of a protective device.
`K57.32`	Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation and abscess, localized to sigmoid colon	Complicated diverticulitis may require resection and anastomosis where protection of the anastomosis is indicated.
`K51.90`	Ulcerative colitis, unspecified, without complications	Inflammatory bowel disease requiring colectomy and anastomosis; device may be used in select restorative procedures.
`K63.5`	Polyp of colon	Large or complex polyps requiring segmental resection and anastomosis may prompt device use.
`K65.0`	Acute peritonitis	Peritonitis associated with colorectal pathology may lead to protective strategies for anastomoses when performed.
`T81.4XXA`	Infection following a procedure, initial encounter	Device placement may be part of management planning when infection risk to an anastomosis is a concern.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`44140`	Colectomy, partial; with anastomosis	Common index operation that may be followed by placement of a protective intraluminal device at the time of anastomosis.
`44625`	Repair of rectal prolapse; transanal or transabdominal approach (including anastomosis when performed)	Procedures involving low rectal work where protective devices may be used to guard an anastomosis.
`45385`	Colonoscopy, flexible; with removal of tumor(s) by snare polypectomy, single or multiple	Endoscopic evaluation performed postoperatively to assess anastomotic integrity and device position.
`59970`	Removal of intraluminal device or foreign body (specify)	Represents device removal; use when the temporary protective device is removed in a separate service.
`95851`	Home sleep study testing (portable monitoring)	Data not available in the input.

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Summary & Overview