Olympus' New ESD CPT Codes: Advancing Access to Minimally Invasive GI Treatments
On November 12, 2026, Olympus Corporation announced the finalization of Medicare reimbursement rates for the recently designated Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, effective January 1, 2027. As a key player in global medical technology, Olympus is dedicated to improving patient care through advanced endoscopic solutions. The introduction of two specific CPT codes for ESD allows healthcare providers to report these procedures distinctly across various service settings. The newly minted codes provide a framework for billing both upper and lower GI procedures, thus enhancing the administrative processes for outpatient facilities.
The new codes are categorized as follows:
ESD is particularly valuable for treating cancerous and pre-cancerous growths found in the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike traditional surgical approaches that require external incisions, ESD offers a minimally invasive alternative. Physicians can remove abnormal tissue using an endoscope, thereby preserving parts of the affected organ for particular patients. This method can potentially prevent the need for more complex surgeries, allowing for preservation of healthy surrounding tissues.
Dr. Joo Ha Hwang, M.D., Ph.D., the Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Stanford University, states that the dual role of ESD in both diagnosing and treating lesions is its primary benefit. By excising the lesion in one piece, the procedure allows for a more accurate assessment of cancer treatment outcomes, potentially sparing patients from extensive surgical interventions.
The newly published reimbursement rates reflect the unique skills and expertise required in ESD procedures. As emphasized by Racho Strauven, Senior Vice President for Health Economics and Market Access at Olympus, these valuations are critical for ensuring patient access to ESD treatments. The collaboration over the years with various healthcare professional societies has played a pivotal role in achieving this milestone.
Keith Boettiger, Executive Officer and Head of the Gastrointestinal Solutions Division at Olympus, announces that the implementation of these new codes signifies a step forward toward improved access for patients requiring ESD, a procedure that conserves organs while effectively managing gastrointestinal lesions. Both Boettiger and Strauven highlight that Olympus will continue to support this transformative approach through professional education and technological advancement, thus reshaping the landscape of gastrointestinal treatment options.
For additional information about the ESD procedure and its implications for patient care, you can visit the Olympus Americas ESD web page at medical.olympusamerica.com/endoscopic-submucosal-dissection.
With a rich history of over a century, Olympus Corporation remains committed to society by providing innovative and effective medical technologies. Their mission is framed around enhancing the quality of life for individuals globally, supporting healthcare providers in their goal of early diagnosis and less invasive treatment options in the face of serious illnesses.
The new codes are categorized as follows:
- - Upper ESD - CPT 43498: This code refers to the endoscopic submucosal dissection within the upper gastrointestinal tract, including when mucosal closure is performed.
- - Lower ESD - CPT 45991: This code describes the procedure within the lower gastrointestinal tract under similar conditions.
ESD is particularly valuable for treating cancerous and pre-cancerous growths found in the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike traditional surgical approaches that require external incisions, ESD offers a minimally invasive alternative. Physicians can remove abnormal tissue using an endoscope, thereby preserving parts of the affected organ for particular patients. This method can potentially prevent the need for more complex surgeries, allowing for preservation of healthy surrounding tissues.
Dr. Joo Ha Hwang, M.D., Ph.D., the Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Stanford University, states that the dual role of ESD in both diagnosing and treating lesions is its primary benefit. By excising the lesion in one piece, the procedure allows for a more accurate assessment of cancer treatment outcomes, potentially sparing patients from extensive surgical interventions.
The newly published reimbursement rates reflect the unique skills and expertise required in ESD procedures. As emphasized by Racho Strauven, Senior Vice President for Health Economics and Market Access at Olympus, these valuations are critical for ensuring patient access to ESD treatments. The collaboration over the years with various healthcare professional societies has played a pivotal role in achieving this milestone.
Keith Boettiger, Executive Officer and Head of the Gastrointestinal Solutions Division at Olympus, announces that the implementation of these new codes signifies a step forward toward improved access for patients requiring ESD, a procedure that conserves organs while effectively managing gastrointestinal lesions. Both Boettiger and Strauven highlight that Olympus will continue to support this transformative approach through professional education and technological advancement, thus reshaping the landscape of gastrointestinal treatment options.
For additional information about the ESD procedure and its implications for patient care, you can visit the Olympus Americas ESD web page at medical.olympusamerica.com/endoscopic-submucosal-dissection.
With a rich history of over a century, Olympus Corporation remains committed to society by providing innovative and effective medical technologies. Their mission is framed around enhancing the quality of life for individuals globally, supporting healthcare providers in their goal of early diagnosis and less invasive treatment options in the face of serious illnesses.
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