The CPT code is 45378 (Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure, diagnostic). For Medicare patients, coders should report V76.51 as the primary diagnosis, then check if the patient is “high risk,” based on various factors found on the CMS list.
The following ICD-10 codes are used to report a screening colonoscopy:
Colonoscopy is a procedure that enables an examiner (usually a gastroenterologist) to evaluate the inside of the colon (large intestine or large bowel). The colonoscope is a four-foot long, flexible tube about the thickness of a finger with a camera and a source of light at its tip. The tip of the colonoscope is inserted into the anus and then is advanced slowly, under visual control, into the ...
non-Medicare payors, use the CPT conventions. Colonoscopy codes are listed in the digestive section of CPT, codes 45378–45398 (or codes 44388–44408, if performed through a stoma rather than the anus). CPT code 45378 is the base code for a colonoscopy without biopsy or other interventions. It includes brushings or washings, if performed.
A screening colonoscopy should be reported with the following International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD-10) codes: Z12. 11: Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of the colon.
Group 1CodeDescription45378COLONOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE; DIAGNOSTIC, INCLUDING COLLECTION OF SPECIMEN(S) BY BRUSHING OR WASHING, WHEN PERFORMED (SEPARATE PROCEDURE)45379COLONOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE; WITH REMOVAL OF FOREIGN BODY(S)45380COLONOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE; WITH BIOPSY, SINGLE OR MULTIPLE22 more rows
Two Sets of Procedure Codes Used for Screening Colonoscopy:Common colorectal screening diagnosis codesICD-10-CMDescriptionZ12.11Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colonZ80.0Family history of malignant neoplasm of digestive organsZ86.010Personal history of colonic polypsApr 20, 2022
A family of CPT codes applies to colonoscopy. For example, code 45378 applies to a colonoscopy in which no polyp is detected, while codes 45380-45385 apply to colonoscopy that involves an intervention (e.g., 45385 is the code for colonoscopy with polypectomy.)
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ICD-10 code K63. 5 for Polyp of colon is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Diseases of the digestive system .
Group 1CodeDescription45385COLONOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE; WITH REMOVAL OF TUMOR(S), POLYP(S), OR OTHER LESION(S) BY SNARE TECHNIQUEG0105COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING; COLONOSCOPY ON INDIVIDUAL AT HIGH RISKG2204PATIENTS BETWEEN 50 AND 85 YEARS OF AGE WHO RECEIVED A SCREENING COLONOSCOPY DURING THE PERFORMANCE PERIOD4 more rows
A patient that had colonoscopy a few months ago with polypectomy, for adenomatous polyp, returns for follow-up examination to look for recurrence would be coded as a follow-up examination with Z09, Encounter for follow-up examination after completed treatment for conditions other than malignant neoplasm.
Diagnostic / Therapeutic Colonoscopy – Patient has gastrointestinal symptoms, colon polyps, or gastrointestinal disease requiring evaluation or treatment by colonoscopy (CPT Code: 45380 – See # 1 below).
“Example: In the course of performing a fiber optic colonoscopy (CPT code 45378), a physician performs a biopsy on a lesion (code 45380) and removes a polyp (code 45385) from a different part of the colon. The physician bills for codes 45380 and 45385.
Colonoscopy, flexible; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed.
--CPT code 45378, which is used to code a diagnostic colonoscopy, is on the list of procedures approved by Medicare for payment of an ambulatory surgical center (ASC) facility fee under §1833(I) of the Act.
The NCCI PTP edit with column one CPT code 45385 (Flexible colonoscopy with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or lesion(s) by snare technique) and column two CPT code 45380 (Flexible colonoscopy with single or multiple biopsies) is often bypassed by utilizing modifier 59.
Diagnostic / Therapeutic Colonoscopy – Patient has gastrointestinal symptoms, colon polyps, or gastrointestinal disease requiring evaluation or treatment by colonoscopy (CPT Code: 45380 – See # 1 below).
CPT® Code 45388 in section: Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure.
Colonoscopy, flexible; with removal of foreign body(s) 45380. Colonoscopy, flexible; with biopsy, single or multiple. 45381. Colonoscopy, flexible; with directed submucosal injection(s), any substance.
Definition of Terms Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a procedure that permits the direct examination of the mucosa of the entire colon by using a flexible lighted tube. The procedure is done with sedation in a hospital outpatient department, in a clinic , or an office facility. During the colonoscopy a doctor can biopsy and remove pre – cancerous ...
During the colonoscopy a doctor can biopsy and remove pre – cancerous polyps and some early stage cancers and also diagnose other conditions or diseases. General definitions of procedure indications from various specialty societies , including the ACA: * A screening colonoscopy is done to look for disease, such as cancer, ...
A provider also can be a place where medical care is given, like a hospital, clinic, or lab.This policy informs them about when a service may be covered.
Note:The Introduction section is for your general knowledge and is not to be takenas policy coverage criteria. The rest of the policy uses specific words and concepts familiar to medical professionals. It is intended for providers.A provider can be a person, such as a doctor, nurse, psychologist, or dentist.
This guideline applies only to people of average risk. Colonoscopy is only one of the screening tests that can be used. This benefit coverage guideline provides general information about how the health plan decides whether a colonoscopy is covered under the preventive or diagnostic (medical) benefits.
It can also be doneas a diagnostic procedure when symptoms or lab tests suggest there might be a problem in the rectum or colon.In some cases, minor procedures may be done during a colonoscopy,such as taking a biopsy or destroying an area of unhealthy tissue (a lesion).
A screening code may be a first-listed code if the reason for the visit is specifically the screening exam.
A screening mammogram is an example of such a test. If a screening examination identifies pathology, the code for the reason the test (namely, the screening code from categories Z11-Z13) is assigned as the principle diagnosis or first-listed code, followed by a code for the pathology or condition found during the screening exam.”.
A screening code is not necessary if the screening is inherent to a routine examination, such as a pap smear done during a routine pelvic examination. Should a condition be discovered during the screening then the code for the condition may be assigned as an additional diagnosis.
CPT codes, descriptions and other data only are copyright 2020 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/HHSARS apply.
Title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA), §1862 (a) (1) (A) states that no Medicare payment shall be made for items or services that “are not reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member.” Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, §1862 (a) (7) and 42 Code of Federal Regulations, §411.15 et seq.
Colonoscopy is a visual examination of the lining of the large intestine using a rigid or flexible video or fiberoptic endoscope. The procedure includes inspection of the entire colon, from the rectum to the cecum, and may include the examination of the terminal ileum.
CPT codes, descriptions and other data only are copyright 2020 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/HHSARS apply.
This LCD supplements but does not replace, modify or supersede existing Medicare applicable National Coverage Determinations (NCDs) or payment policy rules and regulations for diagnostic colonoscopy. Federal statute and subsequent Medicare regulations regarding provision and payment for medical services are lengthy.
Compliance with the provisions in this policy may be monitored and addressed through post payment data analysis and subsequent medical review audits. History/Background and/or General Information Colonoscopy allows direct visual examination of the intestinal tract with a flexible tube containing light transmitting glass fibers that return a magnified image.
The terminology “proximal to the splenic flexure” is no longer used; therefore, if the scope does not reach the cecum, modifier 52 should be appended to the claim. This applies to therapeutic procedures only (i.e., any colonoscopy codes in the family that are not the parent or diagnostic code).
If therapeutic colonoscopy (44389-44407, 45379, 45380, 45381, 45382-45398) is performed and does not reach the cecum or colon-small intestine anastomosis, report the appropriate therapeutic colonoscopy code with modifier 52
Codes 45330 and 45331. did not inherently include moderate sedation, unlike the other codes in the flexible sigmoidoscopy family. As of 2017, when it is medically necessary to utilize moderate (conscious) sedation to perform the work of code 45330, the appropriate code may be reported separately, which is usually 99152,
Gastroenterologists rarely perform rigid scope exam of proctosigmoidoscopy and anoscopy. With few exceptions, gastroenterologists only report diagnostic proctosigmoidoscopy and anoscopy. For this reason, discussions regarding proctosigmoidoscopy and anoscopy in this chapter will be limited to single diagnostic codes (45300, 46600) (Table 9-6). The modalities of therapy that apply to the sigmoidoscopy codes will be discussed within the section of colonoscopy codes 45378 et seq., because the nuances about coding colonoscopy procedures apply to the flexible sigmoidoscopy family of codes as well.