Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers
CPT 43848: Gastric Pouch Revision (Restrictive Surgery)
CPT code 43848 denotes a revisional gastric restrictive procedure in which the surgeon alters the size of a previously created stomach pouch—either reducing it to promote additional weight loss or enlarging it to address complications such as persistent vomiting or severe nutrient malabsorption. Nationally, this code captures clinically important follow-up interventions for patients who have undergone restrictive bariatric surgery without an adjustable band below the pouch.
Key payers considered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise synopsis of the clinical context for use of CPT code 43848, common sites of service, and payer coverage considerations. The publication summarizes typical procedural indications, operational settings (inpatient versus outpatient surgical suite), and billing nuances relevant to hospital and surgical practice administrators. It also highlights where data is not provided in the input and what additional clinical or billing details payers and providers commonly evaluate when processing claims for revisional gastric restrictive surgery.
Customize your policy alerts
Sign up for cpt 43848 policy alerts
Get alerted when payer policies referencing 43848 are released or updated.
Monitor payer policy activity
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 43848 describes a surgical revision of a previously created gastric restrictive pouch, in which the provider either enlarges or reduces the pouch size created during an earlier gastric restrictive procedure. The provider reduces the pouch size when insufficient weight loss has occurred, and enlarges the pouch when the patient experiences vomiting or severe malabsorption of nutrients. This procedure is performed in patients who do not have an adjustable band placed below the stomach pouch.
-
Service type: Revisional gastric restrictive surgery
-
Typical site of service: Inpatient or outpatient surgical suite depending on clinical status and surgeon determination