Summary & Overview
CPT 44204: Laparoscopic Partial Colectomy with Primary Anastomosis
CPT code 44204 denotes a laparoscopic partial colectomy with primary anastomosis — a minimally invasive surgical resection of a segment of the colon followed by reconnection of the bowel. This code is nationally relevant because colorectal resections are common for benign and malignant disease and account for significant hospital and outpatient surgical utilization and costs.
Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context, typical sites of service, and the common payment and billing considerations tied to this procedure. The publication summarizes national benchmarks where available, highlights recent policy updates affecting surgical coding and site-of-service adjudication, and outlines operational considerations for coding accuracy and claim submission.
The report is intended for clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts seeking a clear reference on coding, clinical scope, and payer coverage patterns for laparoscopic partial colectomy with primary anastomosis. Data not available in the input will be noted explicitly in relevant sections.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 44204 describes a laparoscopic partial colectomy with primary anastomosis in which the provider removes a portion of the colon and reconnects the cut ends to restore intestinal continuity. This procedure is a surgical resection of the colon performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques.
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Service type: Surgical — laparoscopic colorectal resection
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Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient department or inpatient hospital operating room, depending on clinical indication and patient status
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 62-year-old patient presents with a diagnosis of symptomatic sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma causing intermittent obstruction and chronic bleeding. After staging and preoperative optimization, the colorectal surgeon schedules a laparoscopic segmental colectomy with primary anastomosis to remove the affected portion of the colon and restore intestinal continuity. The clinical workflow includes preoperative evaluation (history, physical, labs, bowel preparation, informed consent), intraoperative laparoscopic mobilization of the colon, resection of the diseased segment, mesenteric vessel ligation, specimen extraction (often via a small extraction incision), and stapled or hand-sewn colorectal anastomosis. Postoperative care includes monitoring in the post-anesthesia care unit, early ambulation, pain and nausea control, assessment for return of bowel function, and discharge planning with instructions for wound care and follow-up for pathology results and adjuvant therapy as indicated.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | Unmodified procedure | When no modifier is required and full global surgical package applies |
22 | Increased procedural services |