74235 Remove esophagus obstruction
Also known as: Esophageal foreign body removal, Esophageal obstruction removal
Fluoroscopic removal of esophageal obstruction using contrast imaging and interventional technique to dislodge or extract foreign bodies.
In Plain Language
Procedure to remove blockage from food pipe
Clinical Context
Emergency intervention for food impaction or foreign body obstruction. Fluoroscopy guides safe removal.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.19 |
| Total RVU | 1.19 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
Radiology codes require a written order, clinical indication, and a formal interpretation report. The professional component (modifier -26) and technical component (modifier -TC) may be billed separately.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.19, this code ranks in the 69th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.5x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 74235?
CPT 74235 (Remove esophagus obstruction) is a Radiology code. Fluoroscopic removal of esophageal obstruction using contrast imaging and interventional technique to dislodge or extract foreign bodies.
Who uses CPT code 74235?
CPT 74235 is used by Interventional Radiology, Gastroenterology, Emergency Medicine. Emergency intervention for food impaction or foreign body obstruction. Fluoroscopy guides safe removal.
When is CPT 74235 used?
Emergency intervention for food impaction or foreign body obstruction. Fluoroscopy guides safe removal.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.