43352 Surgical opening esophagus
Also known as: diverting esophagostomy, protective esophagostomy, esophageal diversion
Esophagostomy with intramural diversion of esophageal content for bypass or protective purposes such as in severe caustic injury. This diverts esophageal secretions.
In Plain Language
diverting esophageal secretions surgically; protective esophageal opening
Clinical Context
Performed for severe caustic esophageal injury or esophageal cancer; diverts saliva to prevent aspiration and allows esophageal healing.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 17.36 |
| Total RVU | 17.36 |
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 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 17.36, this code ranks in the 78th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.2x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 43352?
CPT 43352 (Surgical opening esophagus) is a Surgery code. Esophagostomy with intramural diversion of esophageal content for bypass or protective purposes such as in severe caustic injury. This diverts esophageal secretions.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 43352?
The work RVU for CPT 43352 is 17.36. This code is primarily used by Surgery, Thoracic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 43352 used?
Performed for severe caustic esophageal injury or esophageal cancer; diverts saliva to prevent aspiration and allows esophageal healing.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
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.