43194 Esophagoscp rig trnso rem foreign body
Also known as: rigid esophagoscopy foreign body removal, esophageal foreign body extraction
Rigid esophagoscopy (examination of esophagus with rigid scope) via transoral approach with removal of foreign body.
In Plain Language
camera examination to remove swallowed object from esophagus
Clinical Context
Therapeutic procedure for foreign body impaction in esophagus. Allows visualization and removal under direct visualization with rigid scope.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 3.42 |
| Total RVU | 3.42 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 3.42, this code ranks in the 24th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.3x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 43194?
CPT 43194 (Esophagoscp rig trnso rem foreign body) is a Surgery code. Rigid esophagoscopy (examination of esophagus with rigid scope) via transoral approach with removal of foreign body.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 43194?
The work RVU for CPT 43194 is 3.42. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, Emergency Medicine.
When is CPT 43194 used?
Therapeutic procedure for foreign body impaction in esophagus. Allows visualization and removal under direct visualization with rigid scope.
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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.