Full Answer
Two Sets of Procedure Codes Used for Screening Colonoscopy: CPT® code 45378 Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen (s) by brushing or washing, with or without colon decompression (separate procedure)
45389 Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; with transendoscopic ultrasound guided intramural or transmural fine needle aspiration/biopsy (s) Diagnosis Codes: ICD-10 [Effective 10/1/15]
2019 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Z12.11 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon Billable/Specific Code POA Exempt Applicable To Encounter for screening colonoscopy NOS Approximate Synonyms Screening for colon cancer Screening for colon cancer done Present On Admission Z12.11 is considered exempt from POA reporting.
CPT® code 45378 Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen (s) by brushing or washing, with or without colon decompression (separate procedure)
What's the right code to use for screening colonoscopy? For commercial and Medicaid patients, use CPT code 45378 (Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, with or without colon decompression [separate procedure]).
45378 Colonoscopy Colonoscopy is the examination of the entire colon, from the rectum to the cecum or small-intestine anastomosis, and may include the examination of the terminal ileum or small intestine proximal to an anastomosis.
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.)
45382 is incidental to 45384/45385 if performed at the same site as the polyps and/or to control bleeding that occurred as a result of the removals.
When reporting a screening colonoscopy on a non-Medicare patient, report CPT® code 45378 and use the appropriate screening diagnosis code.
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.
45380—Colonoscopy, with biopsy, single or multiple. Hint: The physician may use the words “biopsy forceps,” or “Jumbo forceps.” Fee amount $468.96. 45385—Colonoscopy, with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), lesion(s) by snare technique.
Point to note: Code 45378 is the base code for a colonoscopy without biopsy or other interventions. It includes brushings or washings if performed. Report 45378 with ICD-10 code Z86. 010 on the first line of the CMS 1500 form.
Medicare and most insurance carriers will pay for screening colonoscopies once every 10 years. Surveillance colonoscopies are performed on patients who have a prior personal history of colon polyps or colon cancer. Medicare will pay for these exams once every 24 months.
Modifier 51 is used for two procedures in two different coding categories being performed on the same day, for example EGD and colonoscopy, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. The ACG recommends listing the code with the greatest value first, as the multiple procedure rule applies.
Also, CPT Manual instruction states, "Do not report 45390 in conjunction with 45385 for the same lesion." But, CPT 45390 has an RVU lower than that of 45385.
There are 2 different sets of screening colonoscopy codes: There are payors that accept the Z12. 11 (encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon) in the first coding position, while other payors either require this diagnosis in a subsequent position behind family history codes or prefer to see the Z12.
To report screening colonoscopy on a patient not considered high risk for colorectal cancer, use HCPCS code G0121 and diagnosis code Z12.11 ( encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of the colon ).
As such, “screening” describes a colonoscopy that is routinely performed on an asymptomatic person for the purpose of testing for the presence of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps. Whether a polyp or cancer is ultimately found does not ...
The PT modifier ( colorectal cancer screening test, converted to diagnostic test or other procedure) is appended to the CPT ® code.
Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen (s) by brushing or washing, with or without colon decompression (separate procedure) G0121 ( colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual not meeting the criteria for high risk.
Typically, procedure codes with 0, 10 or 90-day global periods include pre-work, intraoperative work, and post-operative work in the Relative Value Units (RVUs) assigned . As a result, CMS’ policy does not allow for payment of an Evaluation and Management (E/M) service prior to a screening colonoscopy. In 2005, the Medicare carrier in Rhode Island explained the policy this way:
Diagnosis Code Ordering is Important for a Screening Procedure turned Diagnostic. When the intent of a visit is screening, and findings result in a diagnostic or therapeutic service, the ordering of the diagnosis codes can affect how payers process the claim.
Screening colonoscopy is a service with first dollar coverage. A screening test with an A or B rating from the US Preventive Services Task Force, should have no patient due amount, since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed.