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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesEsophagogastroduodenoscopy ProceduresCPT cpt-43254-esophagogastroduodenoscopy-with-biopsy
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    CPT 43254: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with Biopsy

    Medicare pays $241 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 43254 describes an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy — a diagnostic endoscopic procedure using a flexible endoscope passed through the mouth to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum and to obtain mucosal tissue samples; service type: diagnostic upper endoscopy with biopsy; typical site of service: endoscopy suite or ambulatory surgical center (hospital outpatient if clinically indicated).

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders, Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders, Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders.

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    Table of contents

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A typical patient is a 55-year-old with progressive dyspepsia, intermittent epigastric pain, and unexplained iron-deficiency anemia referred for diagnostic upper endoscopy. The patient presents to an outpatient endoscopy suite after pre-procedure evaluation by a gastroenterology clinic. Pre-procedure workflow includes history and medication reconciliation (anticoagulant management as indicated), informed consent for diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy with possible mucosal biopsy, and anesthesia assessment for moderate sedation or monitored anesthesia care. The procedure is performed with a flexible endoscope passed transorally to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Biopsy forceps are advanced through the endoscope channel to obtain mucosal samples from suspicious lesions, areas of erythema, ulcers, or atrophic mucosa. Specimens are placed in labeled containers and sent to pathology. Post-procedure, the patient is recovered, given discharge instructions, and arrangements made for pathology results and potential follow-up for additional therapy if indicated (eradication therapy, surveillance, or further intervention). Typical site of service is an outpatient endoscopy center or hospital outpatient department. Service type: diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with mucosal biopsy.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    43235Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed (separate procedure)Alternative diagnostic EGD code without mucosal biopsy; may be used when only brushing/washing specimens obtained instead of forceps biopsies.
    43239Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with directed submucosal injection(s), any substanceUsed when submucosal injection (e.g., for hemostasis or lifting lesion) is performed during the EGD in addition to biopsy.
    43255Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with biopsy, single or multiple — repeat code differs from 43254 by typical descriptor for specified sitesAdjacent EGD biopsy code; used when documentation supports the specific descriptor; clarify local coding guidance when choosing between similar biopsy codes.
    43249Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with dilation (eg, balloon, Savary)May be performed before or after diagnostic EGD if stricture dilation is required based on findings.
    43264Esophagoscopy, flexible, transoral; with removal of foreign bodyPerformed when foreign body is identified during EGD and removal is required in same session.
    43284Endoscopic placement of intragastric balloonTherapeutic procedure that may be performed in the same patient population but is a separate, distinct intervention.

    Related Modifiers

    13 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    23Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    63Modifier‑63 is appended to surgical CPT codes (20000–69990) when a procedure is performed on a neonate or infant weighing ≤ 4 kg (about 8.8 lbs). The AMA/AAPC definition specifies this use and notes…- Use modifier -63 only for surgical procedures in the CPT 20000–69990 series performed on a neonate or infant who weighs ≤ 4 kg at the time of the procedure; it indicates increased complexity due to…
    73Modifier 73 indicates a facility-level outpatient hospital or ASC procedure that was discontinued after the patient was prepared and taken to the procedure/operating room but before any anesthesia…- When to use: Apply CPT modifier 73 on the FACILITY (outpatient hospital or ASC) claim when the patient has been fully prepared and physically taken into the procedure/operating room but the…
    74Modifier ‑74 indicates an outpatient hospital or ASC procedure that was discontinued after anesthesia was administered and after the procedure had begun. Use this modifier when anesthesia (local,…- Use modifier -74 when a procedure in an outpatient hospital or ASC setting is terminated after anesthesia has been administered and after the procedure has commenced (for example, after incision,…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…

    Showing 1–10 of 13

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    207RC0000XCardiovascular Disease PhysicianAn internist who specializes in diseases of the heart and blood vessels and manages complex cardiac conditions such as heart attacks and life-threaten…
    208800000XUrology PhysicianA urologist manages benign and malignant medical and surgical disorders of the genitourinary system and the adrenal gland. This specialist has compreh…
    363L00000XNurse Practitioner(1) A registered nurse provider with a graduate degree in nursing prepared for advanced practice involving independent and interdependent decision mak…
    207RA0000XAdolescent Medicine (Internal Medicine) PhysicianAn internist who specializes in adolescent medicine is a multi-disciplinary healthcare specialist trained in the unique physical, psychological and so…
    207RH0000XHematology (Internal Medicine) PhysicianAn internist with additional training who specializes in diseases of the blood, spleen and lymph. This specialist treats conditions such as anemia, cl…
    246XS1301XSonography Specialist/Technologist CardiovascularA cardiovascular sonography technologist operates special equipment to create images and conduct tests of the cardiovascular system. They work with ph…
    207YX0602XOtolaryngic Allergy PhysicianAn otolaryngologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of otolaryngic allergies and other allergic diseases.
    163WN1003XNutrition Support Registered NurseNursing Service Providers · Registered Nurse

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    26 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    D50.9Iron deficiency anemia, unspecified
    D60.9Acquired pure red cell aplasia, unspecified
    E86.0Dehydration
    K21.9Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis
    K22.2Esophageal obstruction
    K25.9Gastric ulcer, unspecified as acute or chronic, without hemorrhage or perforation
    K26.9Duodenal ulcer, unspecified as acute or chronic, without hemorrhage or perforation
    K27.9Peptic ulcer, site unspecified, unspecified as acute or chronic, without hemorrhage or perforation
    K28.9Gastrojejunal ulcer, unspecified as acute or chronic, without hemorrhage or perforation
    K29.50Unspecified chronic gastritis without bleeding

    Showing 1–10 of 26

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Anesthesiology1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use DisordersPremera Bluecross2026-07-01
    Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use DisordersPremera Bluecross2026-07-01
    Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use DisordersPremera Bluecross2026-07-01
    Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use DisordersPremera Bluecross2026-07-01
    Elective Inpatient Services (for Idaho Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-06-01
    Sites of Servicepriority health2026-06-01
    Coverage for Ambulatory Surgery Unit (ASU)/Outpatient Facility and Anesthesia for Dental Servicesuniverahealthcare2026-05-21
    Mm_0579_Coveragepositioncriteria_Anesthesia_Services_Selected_Nerve_BlocksCigna2026-05-15
    Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric DisordersBlue Cross Blue Shield - North Carolina2026-04-01
    Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric DisordersBlue Cross Blue Shield - North Carolina2026-04-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-43210-ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY-WITH-FUNDOPLICATION

    CPT 43210: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with Fundoplication

    CPT-43235-DIAGNOSTIC-ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY-EGD

    CPT 43235: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, Diagnostic

    CPT-43236-UPPER-ENDOSCOPY-SUBMUCOSAL-INJECTION

    CPT 43236: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with Submucosal Injection

    CPT-43237-UPPER-ENDOSCOPY-WITH-ENDOSCOPIC-ULTRASOUND-EUS

    CPT 43237: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with Endoscopic Ultrasound

    CPT-43238-ENDOSCOPIC-ULTRASOUND-FNA-BIOPSY-UPPER-GI

    CPT 43238: Endoscopic Ultrasound with FNA/Biopsy

    CPT-43239-ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY-WITH-BIOPSY

    CPT 43239: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with Biopsy

    CPT-43240-ENDOSCOPIC-PSEUDOCYST-DRAINAGE-STENT-PLACEMENT

    CPT 43240: Endoscopic Drainage of Gastrointestinal Pseudocyst

    CPT-43241-UPPER-ENDOSCOPY-WITH-TUBE-OR-CATHETER-PLACEMENT

    CPT 43241: EGD with Enteral Tube or Catheter Placement

    CPT-43242-EUS-GUIDED-FNA-BIOPSY-UPPER-GI

    CPT 43242: EUS-Guided Upper GI Fine Needle Aspiration/Biopsy

    CPT-43243-ENDOSCOPIC-SCLEROTHERAPY-ESOPHAGUS-STOMACH

    CPT 43243: Endoscopic Sclerotherapy of Esophagus/Stomach/Duodenum

    Showing 1–10 of 25

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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