43215 Esophagoscopy flex remove foreign body
Also known as: EGD foreign body removal, esophageal foreign body extraction
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with removal of foreign body from esophagus via transoral endoscopic approach.
In Plain Language
camera examination to remove swallowed object
Clinical Context
Emergency/urgent procedure for foreign body impaction in esophagus. Most foreign bodies removable by flexible endoscopy.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.38 |
| Total RVU | 2.38 |
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 2.38, this code ranks in the 17th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 43215?
CPT 43215 (Esophagoscopy flex remove foreign body) is a Surgery code. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with removal of foreign body from esophagus via transoral endoscopic approach.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 43215?
The work RVU for CPT 43215 is 2.38. This code is primarily used by Gastroenterology, Emergency Medicine.
When is CPT 43215 used?
Emergency/urgent procedure for foreign body impaction in esophagus. Most foreign bodies removable by flexible endoscopy.
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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.