Summary & Overview
CPT 74248: Small Intestine Follow-Through After Upper GI Study
CPT code 74248 represents a fluoroscopic small intestine follow-through performed following an upper gastrointestinal radiologic study, with multiple series images acquired and reported in addition to the primary procedure. This code matters nationally because it captures an incremental diagnostic service during gastrointestinal imaging that affects claims bundling, allowability, and billing clarity for radiology practices and hospitals.
Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical context for when the small bowel follow-through is performed, typical sites of service, and payer coverage considerations. The publication also outlines common modifiers used with this service and identifies where data are not available in the input.
This summary provides benchmarks and policy-relevant details useful for revenue cycle leaders, radiology managers, and compliance staff seeking a national perspective on reporting CPT code 74248. The content covers coding intent, typical clinical workflow, payer scope, and practical reporting guidance—while noting where source data were not provided.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 74248 describes a small intestine follow-through that is performed after an upper gastrointestinal radiologic study. The provider obtains multiple series images of the small intestine; this service is reported in addition to the code for the primary upper gastrointestinal procedure.
Service type: Radiologic contrast study / Fluoroscopic small bowel follow-through
Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient radiology department or ambulatory imaging center, where fluoroscopic gastrointestinal studies are performed.
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a 45-year-old adult referred to radiology after an upper gastrointestinal series (barium swallow and/or upper GI) that demonstrated abnormal passage of contrast into the small bowel or when evaluation of small-bowel transit and anatomy is required. The patient presents to an outpatient radiology suite or hospital radiology department after fasting. The technologist assists with oral administration of small-bowel contrast. The radiologist acquires multiple series of fluoroscopic and radiographic images at timed intervals to follow contrast progression from the duodenum through the jejunum and ileum. The study documents bowel caliber, motility, strictures, masses, or partial obstruction and supplements the initial upper GI exam. Typical workflow: check indications and prior imaging, confirm fasting and contrast tolerance, obtain informed consent when required, perform serial fluoroscopic imaging over time, document findings in a radiology report, and communicate urgent results to the referring clinician. Typical site of service: outpatient radiology department, hospital radiology suite, or ambulatory surgical center when combined with other procedures. Service type: diagnostic radiology, fluoroscopic small bowel follow-through.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When billing only the radiologist interpretation separate from technical services |