CPT code 44388: Colonoscopy, diagnostic, through stoma2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Galveston, TX
Reports diagnostic examination of the colon using a scope passed through a stoma, when no separately coded therapeutic intervention defines the service.
In Galveston, TX, Medicare pays $350.31 for 44388 in the office and $139.03 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 44388 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
What 44388 covers
A gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon passes a colonoscope through a colostomy stoma to examine the colon. This approach is used when the patient’s anatomy or the clinical plan calls for examination through the stoma rather than through the anus. The service may be performed in an office or a facility. The report should identify the stoma access, the portion of colon examined, findings, and any sampling or treatment performed.
Select this diagnostic code when the examination is performed without a separately coded therapeutic intervention. If the endoscopist biopsies tissue, removes a foreign body or lesion, or treats bleeding, use the code describing that work instead. Medicare assigns a 0-day global period, so same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included. Modifier 53 is separately priced for a discontinued procedure. When multiple procedures are performed in one session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and the others are subject to the standard 50% reduction. Medicare does not pay assistant-at-surgery services for this code; co-surgeon and team-surgery services are not permitted.
This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.
How Galveston, TX compares for 44388
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 44388 runs from $311.61 in Arkansas to $468.26 in San Benito County, CA. Galveston, TX pays $350.31. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Galveston, TX · this page$350.31
- Austin, TX · Texas$366.92+$16.61
- Beaumont, TX · Texas$330.11−$20.20
- Brazoria, TX · Texas$349.15−$1.16
- Dallas, TX · Texas$351.56+$1.25
- Fort Worth, TX · Texas$349.22−$1.09
- Houston, TX · Texas$357.81+$7.50
Other areas in Texas first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Rest of TexasTexas | $339.56 | $137.65 |
| Los Angeles, CACalifornia | $398.77 | $147.07 |
| Washington, DC areaDistrict of Columbia | $404.81 | $154.18 |
| Miami, FLFlorida | $384.97 | $163.48 |
| Chicago, ILIllinois | $373.33 | $159.50 |
| Manhattan, NYNew York | $408.15 | $160.92 |
| AlaskaAlaska | $408.17 | $181.58 |
| AlabamaAlabama | $316.33 | $130.17 |
| ArkansasArkansas | $311.61 | $128.85 |
| ArizonaArizona | $343.95 | $137.78 |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $374.19 | $141.00 |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $373.01 | $139.82 |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $373.08 | $139.89 |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $373.01 | $139.82 |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $373.01 | $139.82 |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $373.01 | $139.82 |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $373.01 | $139.82 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $373.01 | $139.82 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $432.53 | $152.11 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $396.81 | $145.32 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $373.01 | $139.82 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $373.01 | $139.82 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $377.44 | $144.25 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $391.54 | $144.10 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $390.10 | $143.50 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $399.39 | $144.93 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $457.83 | $157.84 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $457.37 | $157.37 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $468.26 | $161.46 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $466.36 | $159.56 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $383.83 | $141.49 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $403.29 | $144.79 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $391.59 | $143.51 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $407.36 | $146.09 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $373.01 | $139.82 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $431.86 | $151.44 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $373.01 | $139.82 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $373.01 | $139.82 |
| ColoradoColorado | $367.88 | $141.49 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $377.73 | $148.58 |
| DelawareDelaware | $349.76 | $139.55 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $368.05 | $152.52 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $349.54 | $146.14 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $360.76 | $144.59 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $329.18 | $139.40 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $382.41 | $140.49 |
| IowaIowa | $324.08 | $129.40 |
| IdahoIdaho | $326.38 | $130.64 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $347.48 | $151.74 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $339.54 | $145.29 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $371.70 | $153.19 |
| IndianaIndiana | $328.32 | $131.08 |
| KansasKansas | $322.78 | $130.44 |
| KentuckyKentucky | $324.63 | $135.49 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $340.74 | $140.53 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $324.22 | $135.92 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $404.63 | $150.59 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $365.68 | $141.64 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $376.74 | $148.44 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $356.50 | $141.18 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $328.42 | $132.68 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $346.40 | $135.55 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $354.31 | $148.99 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $333.60 | $139.35 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $351.37 | $132.43 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $338.06 | $138.27 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $341.67 | $139.12 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $318.65 | $135.25 |
| MississippiMississippi | $315.18 | $131.99 |
| MontanaMontana | $353.69 | $140.92 |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $331.92 | $133.41 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $345.58 | $132.82 |
| NebraskaNebraska | $325.83 | $129.45 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $362.32 | $140.83 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $400.46 | $153.66 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $381.72 | $149.39 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $335.59 | $140.49 |
| NevadaNevada | $351.68 | $138.70 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $418.65 | $165.68 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $384.47 | $151.49 |
| Queens, NYNew York | $411.21 | $159.72 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $337.07 | $134.95 |
| OhioOhio | $331.94 | $137.69 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $323.75 | $133.75 |
| Portland, OROregon | $379.54 | $143.16 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $348.64 | $136.73 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $368.26 | $146.78 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $332.34 | $137.02 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $356.28 | $141.17 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $362.22 | $142.43 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $332.55 | $135.95 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $344.62 | $131.86 |
| TennesseeTennessee | $324.49 | $131.09 |
| UtahUtah | $337.23 | $137.23 |
| VirginiaVirginia | $345.41 | $136.27 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $356.28 | $141.17 |
| VermontVermont | $344.44 | $133.80 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $364.92 | $140.88 |
| King County, WAWashington | $412.73 | $151.67 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $333.68 | $129.85 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $326.67 | $141.78 |
| WyomingWyoming | $350.15 | $137.39 |
44388 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
Explore a state
Local rates. Clear comparisons.
Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.
$311.61
$420.64
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $408.17 | 1 |
| AL | $316.33 | 1 |
| AR | $311.61 | 1 |
| AZ | $343.95 | 1 |
| CA | $373.01–$468.26 | 29 |
| CO | $367.88 | 1 |
| CT | $377.73 | 1 |
| DC | $404.81 | 1 |
| DE | $349.76 | 1 |
| FL | $349.54–$384.97 | 3 |
| GA | $329.18–$360.76 | 2 |
| GU | $382.41 | 1 |
| HI | $382.41 | 1 |
| IA | $324.08 | 1 |
| ID | $326.38 | 1 |
| IL | $339.54–$373.33 | 4 |
| IN | $328.32 | 1 |
| KS | $322.78 | 1 |
| KY | $324.63 | 1 |
| LA | $324.22–$340.74 | 2 |
| MA | $365.68–$404.63 | 2 |
| MD | $356.50–$404.81 | 3 |
| ME | $328.42–$346.40 | 2 |
| MI | $333.60–$354.31 | 2 |
| MN | $351.37 | 1 |
| MO | $318.65–$341.67 | 3 |
| MS | $315.18 | 1 |
| MT | $353.69 | 1 |
| NC | $331.92 | 1 |
| ND | $345.58 | 1 |
| NE | $325.83 | 1 |
| NH | $362.32 | 1 |
| NJ | $381.72–$400.46 | 2 |
| NM | $335.59 | 1 |
| NV | $351.68 | 1 |
| NY | $337.07–$418.65 | 5 |
| OH | $331.94 | 1 |
| OK | $323.75 | 1 |
| OR | $348.64–$379.54 | 2 |
| PA | $332.34–$368.26 | 2 |
| PR | $356.28 | 1 |
| RI | $362.22 | 1 |
| SC | $332.55 | 1 |
| SD | $344.62 | 1 |
| TN | $324.49 | 1 |
| TX | $330.11–$366.92 | 8 |
| UT | $337.23 | 1 |
| VA | $345.41–$404.81 | 2 |
| VI | $356.28 | 1 |
| VT | $344.44 | 1 |
| WA | $364.92–$412.73 | 2 |
| WI | $333.68 | 1 |
| WV | $326.67 | 1 |
| WY | $350.15 | 1 |
How the 44388 rate is calculated
Each of 44388’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.
How the rate is built · 44388
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work2.65
2.65 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense7.53
7.53 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.41
0.41 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
10.5900
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$353.72
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Galveston, TX inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
5,409
- Code
- 44388
- Physician work
- 2.65
- Practice expense
- 7.53
- Malpractice
- 0.41
GPCI2026.csv
101
- Locality
- Galveston, TX
- Physician work
- 1.008
- Practice expense
- 0.993
- Malpractice
- 0.828
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 2.65 | × 1.008 | 2.6712 |
| Practice expense | 7.53 | × 0.993 | 7.4773 |
| Malpractice | 0.41 | × 0.828 | 0.3395 |
| Total RVUs | 10.4880 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Galveston, TX$350.31
Office: (2.65 × 1.008 + 7.53 × 0.993 + 0.41 × 0.828) × $33.4009 = $350.31
Facility: (2.65 × 1.008 + 1.16 × 0.993 + 0.41 × 0.828) × $33.4009 = $139.03
Payment rules and modifiers for 44388
The CMS indicators that decide how 44388 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 44388
Colonoscopy, diagnostic, through stoma
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | 000 | Same-day global: pre- and post-op care on the day of the procedure is included. |
| Multiple procedures | 2 | Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 0 | The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 1 | Not paid (statutory restriction). |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 0 | Physician service: no professional/technical split. |
What modifiers do to the payment
Modifier 51 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
44388 without 51 · national office
$353.72
Colonoscopy, diagnostic, through stoma
44388-51 · Second procedure: 50%
$176.86
When this isn’t the highest-valued procedure in the session, Medicare pays 50% of its fee schedule amount (the highest is paid at 100%).
How 44388 has changed in Galveston, TX
44388 · Office / nonfacility
$350.31
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $45.70 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $304.61 to $350.31 (15.0%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.
What changed, release by release
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$304.61changed to$350.31
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 2.72 changed to 2.65
- Practice expense RVU 6.30 changed to 7.53
- Malpractice RVU 0.42 changed to 0.41
- Work GPCI 1.014 changed to 1.008
- Practice expense GPCI 1.000 changed to 0.993
- Malpractice GPCI 0.855 changed to 0.828
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$314.85changed to$304.61
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 6.35 changed to 6.30
- Malpractice RVU 0.41 changed to 0.42
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$309.72changed to$314.85
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$322.38changed to$309.72
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 6.36 changed to 6.35
- Work GPCI 1.023 changed to 1.014
- Practice expense GPCI 1.013 changed to 1.000
- Malpractice GPCI 0.703 changed to 0.855
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$335.19changed to$322.38
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 6.49 changed to 6.36
- Malpractice RVU 0.40 changed to 0.41
- Work GPCI 1.032 changed to 1.023
- Practice expense GPCI 1.026 changed to 1.013
- Malpractice GPCI 0.550 changed to 0.703
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$334.19changed to$335.19
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 6.39 changed to 6.49
- Malpractice RVU 0.39 changed to 0.40
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$315.59changed to$334.19
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 5.57 changed to 6.39
- Malpractice RVU 0.40 changed to 0.39
- Work GPCI 1.026 changed to 1.032
- Practice expense GPCI 1.019 changed to 1.026
- Malpractice GPCI 0.695 changed to 0.550
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$305.00changed to$315.59
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 5.27 changed to 5.57
- Malpractice RVU 0.43 changed to 0.40
- Work GPCI 1.020 changed to 1.026
- Practice expense GPCI 1.011 changed to 1.019
- Malpractice GPCI 0.839 changed to 0.695
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$298.42changed to$305.00
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 5.09 changed to 5.27
- Malpractice RVU 0.44 changed to 0.43
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$297.19changed to$298.42
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 5.06 changed to 5.09
- Malpractice RVU 0.43 changed to 0.44
- Practice expense GPCI 1.012 changed to 1.011
- Malpractice GPCI 0.897 changed to 0.839
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$363.46changed to$297.19
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Work RVU 2.82 changed to 2.72
- Practice expense RVU 6.76 changed to 5.06
- Malpractice RVU 0.45 changed to 0.43
- Work GPCI 1.019 changed to 1.020
- Practice expense GPCI 1.013 changed to 1.012
- Malpractice GPCI 0.955 changed to 0.897
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$365.82changed to$363.46
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Practice expense RVU 6.77 changed to 6.76
- Malpractice RVU 0.47 changed to 0.45
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$364.00changed to$365.82
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$359.31changed to$364.00
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 6.72 changed to 6.77
- Malpractice RVU 0.43 changed to 0.47
- Work GPCI 1.014 changed to 1.019
- Practice expense GPCI 1.005 changed to 1.013
- Malpractice GPCI 0.970 changed to 0.955
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$372.48changed to$359.31
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 7.69 changed to 6.72
- Malpractice RVU 0.45 changed to 0.43
- Work GPCI 1.009 changed to 1.014
- Practice expense GPCI 0.996 changed to 1.005
- Malpractice GPCI 0.985 changed to 0.970
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $372.48
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $350.31 | $139.03 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $350.31 | $139.03 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $350.31 | $139.03 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $350.31 | $139.03 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $304.61 | $149.67 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $304.61 | $149.67 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $304.61 | $149.67 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $304.61 | $149.67 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $314.85 | $153.08 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $314.85 | $153.08 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $314.85 | $153.08 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $314.85 | $153.08 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $309.72 | $150.58 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $322.38 | $154.52 | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $322.38 | $154.52 | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $322.38 | $154.52 | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $322.38 | $154.52 | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $335.19 | $156.59 | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $335.19 | $156.59 | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $335.19 | $156.59 | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $335.19 | $156.59 | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $334.19 | $157.34 | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $334.19 | $157.34 | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $334.19 | $157.34 | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $334.19 | $157.34 | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $315.59 | $162.23 | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $315.59 | $162.23 | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $315.59 | $162.23 | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $315.59 | $162.23 | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $305.00 | $164.36 | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $305.00 | $164.36 | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $305.00 | $164.36 | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $305.00 | $164.36 | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $298.42 | $165.58 | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $298.42 | $165.58 | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $298.42 | $165.58 | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $298.42 | $165.58 | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $297.19 | $165.71 | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $297.19 | $165.71 | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $297.19 | $165.71 | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $297.19 | $165.71 | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $363.46 | $171.59 | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $363.46 | $171.59 | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $363.46 | $171.59 | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $363.46 | $171.59 | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $365.82 | $174.35 | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $365.82 | $174.35 | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $364.00 | $173.48 | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $364.00 | $173.48 | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $359.31 | $172.10 | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $359.31 | $172.10 | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $359.31 | $172.10 | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $359.31 | $172.10 | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $372.48 | $169.84 | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $372.48 | $169.84 | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $372.48 | $169.84 | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $372.48 | $169.84 | RVU13AR |
Where the Galveston, TX rate applies
Galveston, TX is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 16 cities and communities in Texas. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Galveston
- Bacliff
- Bayou Vista
- Bolivar Peninsula
- Clear Lake Shores
- Dickinson
- 44388 in Friendswood · multiple payment areas
- Hitchcock
44388 billing questions
When should the diagnostic code be replaced by a therapeutic code?
Use a code for the intervention when the endoscopist biopsies tissue, removes a foreign body or lesion, or treats bleeding through the stoma. The diagnostic examination is not separately reported as the defining service for that therapeutic work.
How is this different from colonoscopy through the anus?
This code describes scope access through a stoma. A colonoscopy performed through the anus is coded from the applicable non-stoma colonoscopy family.
Does this code cover examination of an ileal pouch?
No. Pouch endoscopy is reported with the pouch-specific code family, such as 44385, rather than this colonoscopy-through-stoma code.
How should modifier 53 be handled?
CMS lists modifier 53 as separately priced for this code. It identifies a discontinued procedure; the record should explain why the examination was stopped.
What happens when other procedures are performed in the same session?
The highest-valued procedure is paid in full, and the other procedures are subject to the standard multiple-procedure reduction. The code has a 0-day global period, which includes same-day preoperative and postoperative care.
Where these rates come from
FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.
CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027
Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
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