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    v1.0.31
    OpenPayerBilling CodesEndoscopic Stomal ProceduresCPT cpt-44401-stomal-colonoscopy-lesion-destruction
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    CPT 44401: Stomal Colonoscopic Tumor/Polyp Destruction

    Medicare pays $2701 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 44401 describes insertion of a colonoscope through a surgically created stoma to visualize and destroy tumors, polyps, or other abnormal intestinal tissue; the service is an endoscopic tumor/polyp destruction procedure (may be single or multiple lesions) and can include predilation, postdilation, and guide wire passage as needed. Service type: endoscopic therapeutic procedure; typical site of service: outpatient procedure suite, endoscopy lab, or operating room depending on clinical complexity and anesthesia needs.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Diabetic Supplies, Radiofrequency Ablation for Thyroid Nodules, Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Delivery for Managing Diabetes (for Idaho Only).

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    Table of contents

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 68-year-old patient with a long-standing colostomy presents with intermittent bleeding and partial obstruction at the stoma site. The outpatient colorectal surgery clinic evaluates the patient, obtains a focused history, physical exam, and reviews recent imaging and labs. The patient is scheduled for a stoma colonoscopy under monitored anesthesia care in an ambulatory surgery center. The provider inserts a colonoscope through the existing stoma to inspect the mucosa, identifies several polyps and an ulcerated mass, and performs endoscopic tumor and polyp destruction using ablation techniques and/or mechanical removal. The procedure plan includes possible predilation of a stenotic stoma and post-procedure dilation if needed, and passage of a guide wire if endoscopic access to more proximal bowel is required. Specimens may be sent for pathology if biopsies are taken. Typical workflow steps: pre-procedure consent and history, anesthesia assessment, stoma preparation, colonoscopic inspection and treatment, immediate hemostasis as indicated, recovery room monitoring, post-procedure instructions and documentation of findings and codes for billing.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    45378Colonoscopy, flexible; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washingDiagnostic flexible colonoscopy may be performed in patients without a stoma or for comparison; shares endoscopic techniques.
    45380Colonoscopy, flexible; with biopsy, single or multipleIf biopsies are taken during stoma colonoscopy, this code represents biopsy work and is commonly reported alongside therapeutic maneuvers.
    45385Colonoscopy, flexible; with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) by snare techniqueSnare polypectomy techniques are commonly used to remove polyps identified via the stoma colonoscope.
    45383Colonoscopy, flexible; with control of bleeding, any methodUsed when endoscopic hemostasis is required during or after tumor/polyp destruction at the stoma site.
    49082Lavage and/or debridement of stoma or peristomal skinAncillary stoma care procedures that may be performed in conjunction with stoma-directed endoscopy when peristomal issues are present.

    Related Modifiers

    8 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…
    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…
    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…
    66Modifier 66 (Surgical Team) is used when three or more surgeons act as primary surgeons on a single, highly complex procedure. The AMA defines it for use when a surgical team — often composed of…- Use modifier 66 when three or more surgeons act as primary surgeons working collaboratively as a surgical team on a single, highly complex or difficult procedure (for example organ…
    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…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    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…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207L00000X
    207K00000X
    208000000X
    363L00000X
    367500000X
    207XS0114X
    202C00000X
    163WN0800X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    27 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    C18.9Malignant neoplasm of colon, unspecified
    C19Malignant neoplasm of rectosigmoid junction
    C20Malignant neoplasm of rectum
    C21.8Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of rectum, anus and anal canal
    D12.0Benign neoplasm of cecum
    D12.5Benign neoplasm of sigmoid colon
    D12.6Benign neoplasm of colon, unspecified
    K50.90Crohn's disease, unspecified, without complications
    K51.90Ulcerative colitis, unspecified, without complications
    K52.9Noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified

    Showing 1–10 of 27

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Endocrinology1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Diabetic SuppliesCigna2026-10-15
    Radiofrequency Ablation for Thyroid NodulesCigna2026-10-15
    Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Delivery for Managing Diabetes (for Idaho Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-10-01
    Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Delivery for Managing Diabetes (for Indiana Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-10-01
    Tzield (teplizumab-mzwv) CoverageUnitedHealthcare2026-10-01
    Medical Necessity Guidelines Insulin PumpsMass General Brigham Health Plan2026-10-01
    Medical Necessity Guidelines: Continuous Glucose MonitorsMass General Brigham Health Plan2026-10-01
    Continuous Glucose MonitoringAmbetter Nevada2026-10-01
    Salivary Hormone TestingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Bone Turnover Markers TestingOscar Health2026-10-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-44380-STOMAL-ILEOSCOPY-ENDOSCOPIC-ILEUM-EXAMINATION

    CPT 44380: Ileoscopy via Stoma with Brushings or Washings

    CPT-44381-ILEOSCOPY-THROUGH-STOMA-WITH-BALLOON-DILATION

    CPT 44381: Ileoscopy via Stoma with Endoscopic Balloon Dilation

    CPT-44382-ILEOSCOPY-THROUGH-STOMA-BIOPSY

    CPT 44382: Ileoscopy Through Stoma with Biopsy

    CPT-44384-ILEOSCOPY-WITH-STENT-PLACEMENT-THROUGH-STOMA

    CPT 44384: Ileoscopy with Endoscopic Stent Placement via Stoma

    CPT-44385-ILEAL-POUCH-ENDOSCOPIC-EVALUATION-WITH-BIOPSY-WASHINGS

    CPT 44385: Endoscopic Evaluation of Ileal Pouch with Brushings/Washings

    CPT-44386-ENDOSCOPIC-POUCHOSCOPY-WITH-BIOPSY

    CPT 44386: Endoscopic Examination of Ileal Pouch with Biopsy

    CPT-44388-COLONOSCOPY-VIA-COLOSTOMY-STOMA-SURVEILLANCE

    CPT 44388: Colonoscopy Through Colostomy Stoma for Evaluation

    CPT-44389-STOMAL-COLONOSCOPY-WITH-BIOPSY

    CPT 44389: Endoscopic Colon Examination Through Stoma with Biopsy

    CPT-44390-COLONOSCOPY-THROUGH-COLOSTOMY-STOMA-FOREIGN-BODY-REMOVAL

    CPT 44390: Colonoscopy via Colostomy for Foreign Body Removal

    CPT-44391-COLONOSCOPY-VIA-COLOSTOMY-STOMA-THERAPEUTIC-EVALUATION

    CPT 44391: Colonoscopy via Colostomy Stoma with Hemostasis

    Showing 1–10 of 19

    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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