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    v1.0.31
    OpenPayerBilling CodesEndoscopic Stomal ProceduresCPT cpt-44408-colonoscopy-through-stoma-with-decompression
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    CPT 44408: Colonoscopy via Stoma with Decompression

    Medicare pays $208 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 44408 describes a colonoscopy performed through a stoma (an artificial opening in the skin) with decompression of the colon, which may include placement of a decompression tube; service type: endoscopic therapeutic procedure; typical site of service: outpatient endoscopy suite or inpatient hospital setting depending on clinical context.

    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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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A typical patient is a 58-year-old with a long-standing end colostomy who presents with progressive abdominal distension, cramping, and decreased stoma output consistent with large-bowel obstruction or stoma outlet obstruction. After evaluation in the emergency department or outpatient clinic, abdominal radiography or CT suggests colonic decompression is indicated. The gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon performs a colonoscopy through the existing stoma (stoma colonoscopy) to evaluate intraluminal causes (stricture, tumor, impacted fecal material) and to accomplish decompression. The procedure may include endoscopic suctioning, irrigation, passage and placement of a decompression tube through the stoma, and visualization of the colonic mucosa. Typical workflow: pre-procedure consent and stoma assessment, targeted bowel prep if feasible, monitored sedation in a procedure suite or operating room, insertion of the colonoscope through the stoma, diagnostic inspection, therapeutic maneuvers for decompression (and tube placement if needed), post-procedure observation for hemodynamic stability and return of stoma output, documentation of findings and interventions, and discharge with stoma care instructions and follow-up arranged with the surgical or GI team. Typical site of service is an endoscopy suite, ambulatory surgery center, or inpatient procedure room depending on acuity. Service type is diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic stoma colonoscopy with decompression and possible decompression tube placement as described by 44408.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    44388Endoscopic placement of decompression tube, colon, through percutaneous stomaPerformed when a decompression tube is placed through an existing stoma; may be billed in conjunction when distinct from diagnostic/therapeutic endoscopy.
    45378Colonoscopy, flexible; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed (separate procedure)Represents a standard flexible colonoscopy; ergonomic overlap when performing diagnostic inspection via a stoma if coding distinctions are required.
    45380Colonoscopy, flexible; with biopsy, single or multiplePerformed if biopsy of mucosal lesion via the stoma colonoscopy is obtained during the procedure.
    45385Colonoscopy, flexible; with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) by snare techniquePerformed if polypectomy or lesion removal is undertaken through the stoma colonoscopy.
    44320Sigmoidoscopy through stoma; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s)Related for more limited endoscopic evaluation through a stoma; used when the examination is limited in extent.

    Related Modifiers

    10 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…
    23Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    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…
    63Modifier‑63 is appended to surgical CPT codes (20000–69990) when a procedure is performed on a neonate or infant weighing ≤ 4 kg (about 8.8 lbs). The AMA/AAPC definition specifies this use and notes…- Use modifier -63 only for surgical procedures in the CPT 20000–69990 series performed on a neonate or infant who weighs ≤ 4 kg at the time of the procedure; it indicates increased complexity due to…
    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
    235Z00000X
    3140N1450X
    146D00000X
    261QX0203X
    225800000X
    1223X2210X

    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
    Tzield (teplizumab-mzwv) CoverageUnitedHealthcare2026-10-01
    Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Delivery for Managing Diabetes (for Indiana Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-10-01
    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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