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CPT 44210: Laparoscopic Total Colectomy with Ileoproctostomy or Ileostomy
CPT code 44210 defines a laparoscopic total colectomy where the entire colon is removed and intestinal continuity is restored either by ileoproctostomy or by creation of an ileostomy. As a major abdominal procedure performed via minimally invasive technique, this code is central to surgical management of diffuse colonic disease, neoplasia, and selected inflammatory or motility disorders. Nationally, accurate coding for CPT code 44210 affects inpatient surgical case mix reporting, reimbursement, and quality measurement for colorectal surgical care.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context and typical sites of service, plus guidance on how this service is reported in billing workflows. The publication outlines common modifiers and administrative considerations tied to complex colorectal procedures, summarizes how major payers approach coverage and claim adjudication for total colectomy services, and highlights benchmarking and policy topics relevant to hospitals and surgical practices. Intended for coding professionals, clinical leaders, and revenue cycle teams, the piece clarifies what CPT code 44210 represents, why precise procedure description matters for reimbursement and quality metrics, and where to look for payer-specific rules and performance benchmarks. Data not available in the input: associated taxonomies, specific ICD-10 diagnoses, related codes, and payer-specific fee benchmarks.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 44210 describes a laparoscopic total colectomy in which the surgeon removes the entire colon via an abdominal approach and establishes continuity by connecting the ileum to the rectum (ileoproctostomy) or creating an external ileostomy. This procedure is performed using minimally invasive, laparoscopic techniques and represents a definitive surgical treatment when removal of the entire colon is clinically indicated.
Service type: Surgical — Laparoscopic total colectomy
Typical site of service: Inpatient hospital or ambulatory surgery center, operating room