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CPT 43510: Esophageal Stent Placement for Stricture Palliation
CPT code 43510 represents the placement of a permanent intraluminal esophageal stent to relieve symptomatic esophageal stricture, most often used for palliation of obstruction from malignancy or radiation-induced scarring. Nationally, this procedure is an important component of palliative care pathways for advanced esophageal disease, reducing dysphagia and improving quality of life for patients with unresectable tumors or severe benign strictures.
Key national payers addressed in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise clinical context for the procedure, typical sites of service, and an explanation of how CPT code 43510 is used in billing. The report summarizes common billing modifiers associated with the service and highlights areas where policy updates, medical necessity criteria, and documentation requirements commonly influence coverage and reimbursement.
This publication also provides benchmarks and practical guidance on coding accuracy and claim documentation to support appropriate use of CPT code 43510 in hospital outpatient and ambulatory surgery settings. The content is presented to inform billing staff, clinicians, and policy analysts involved in esophageal stent placement services.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 43510 describes the placement of an indwelling (permanent) intraluminal tube or stent through an area of esophageal stricture. The procedure is typically performed to relieve obstruction caused by tumor overgrowth or fibrotic narrowing following radiation therapy and is performed for palliative treatment of esophageal stricture.
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Service type: Endoscopic or fluoroscopically guided esophageal stent placement for palliation of obstructive esophageal stricture
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Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgery center; may also be performed in interventional radiology suites or endoscopy units within a hospital setting.