43338 Esophageal lengthening
Also known as: esophageal lengthening, Collis gastroplasty, esophagoplasty
Esophageal lengthening procedure performed alone or as an adjunctive procedure such as Collis gastroplasty via open approach. This creates functional esophageal length.
In Plain Language
lengthening the food pipe surgically; creating more esophageal length
Clinical Context
Performed independently or as part of complex hernia repair; allows safe closure of large hernias without excessive tension.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.15 |
| Total RVU | 2.15 |
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. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 2.15, this code ranks in the 15th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.7x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 43338?
CPT 43338 (Esophageal lengthening) is a Surgery code. Esophageal lengthening procedure performed alone or as an adjunctive procedure such as Collis gastroplasty via open approach. This creates functional esophageal length.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 43338?
The work RVU for CPT 43338 is 2.15. This code is primarily used by Surgery, Thoracic Surgery.
When is CPT 43338 used?
Performed independently or as part of complex hernia repair; allows safe closure of large hernias without excessive tension.
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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.