icd 10 code for follow up colonoscopy for colon cancer

by Dr. Arvilla Rau IV 4 min read

Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon
Z12. 11 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM Z12. 11 became effective on October 1, 2021.

What ICD 10 code will cover CMP?

What ICD 10 codes cover PT INR?

  • chemistry, blood R79.9. ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R79.9. Abnormal finding of blood chemistry, unspecified.
  • Coagulation defect, unspecified. 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Billable/Specific Code. time R79.1.
  • bleeding time R79.1.
  • partial thromboplastin time R79.1 (PTT)
  • prothrombin time R79.1 (PT)

What is the ICD 10 code for follow up?

Z36.2 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2021 edition of ICD-10-CM Z36.2 became effective on October 1, 2020.

How to code screening and diagnostic colonoscopy?

  • G0121 – Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual not meeting criteria for high risk
  • G0105 – Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual at high risk
  • G0104 – Colorectal cancer screening; flexible sigmoidoscopy

How do you code an incomplete colonoscopy?

The CPT® codebook, in contrast to CMS rules, instructs, "For an incomplete colonoscopy, with full preparation for a colonoscopy, use a colonoscopy code with the modifier 52 and provide documentation." Some non-Medicare payers may follow CMS guidelines for an incomplete colonoscopy, while others may adhere to CPT®

How do you code a follow-up colonoscopy?

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.

What is the ICD-10 code for screening for colon cancer?

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.

When do you repeat a colonoscopy after colon cancer resection?

The argument for performing a periodic colonoscopy is its ability to detect metachronous tumors and polyps which can be curative. Thus, the standard recommendation presently is to perform a colonoscopy at 1 year after surgery and then subsequently at intervals of 3–5 years in all resected stage II and stage III CRC.

What is the diagnosis code for routine colonoscopy?

To report screening colonoscopy on a patient not considered high risk for colorectal cancer, use HCPCS code G0121 and diagnosis code V76. 51 (Special screening for malignant neoplasm of the colon).

What is a Z12 11?

Z12. 11 encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon.

What is the difference between a screening and a diagnostic colonoscopy?

A screening colonoscopy will have no out-of-pocket costs for patients (such as co-pays or deductibles). A “diagnostic” colonoscopy is a colonoscopy that is done to investigate abnormal symptoms, tests, prior conditions or family history.

What is the time frame recommended for a repeat colonoscopy after an initial colonoscopy and polypectomy is performed?

Although there are some qualifying conditions, the following general guidelines apply: after colonoscopic polypectomy, patients with hyperplastic polyps should be considered to have normal colonoscopies, and subsequent colonoscopy is recommended at 10 years.

Why do I have to have another colonoscopy in 6 months?

If a polyp is not completely removed by colonoscopy or surgery, and the biopsy results are completely benign, another colonoscopy should be done in 3-6 months. Every effort should be made to remove polyps, as there is a significant risk that over time they can progress to an invasive cancer.

How often should you have a colonoscopy if polyps are found?

If your doctor finds one or two polyps less than 0.4 inch (1 centimeter) in diameter, he or she may recommend a repeat colonoscopy in 7 to 10 years, depending on your other risk factors for colon cancer. Your doctor will recommend another colonoscopy sooner if you have: More than two polyps.

Is a follow up colonoscopy a screening?

For example, colonoscopy can be used as a follow-up for a patient with abnormalities identified during a previous colorectal cancer screening. In this situation, the primary purpose of the follow-up colonoscopy is not screening for colorectal cancer.

What is the difference between 45380 and 45385?

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.

What does code Z12 31 mean?

For example, Z12. 31 (Encounter for screening mammogram for malignant neoplasm of breast) is the correct code to use when you are ordering a routine mammogram for a patient. However, coders are coming across many routine mammogram orders that use Z12. 39 (Encounter for other screening for malignant neoplasm of breast).

What is colonoscopy procedure?

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 ...

What can a doctor do during a colonoscopy?

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, ...

What is the introduction section of a medical policy?

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.

Can a colonoscopy be done during a biopsy?

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).

Is colonoscopy a screening test?

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.

What is the ICd 10 code for colon cancer?

ICD-10 coding can be tricky. 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 .11 left off the claim entirely. Please check with your Fiscal Intermediaries for coding guidelines.

How often should I get a colonoscopy?

A screening colonoscopy is typically performed once every 10 years on asymptomatic individuals within the age range of 50-75. These patients would not be considered high-risk and have no personal or family history of colon cancer, high-risk gastrointestinal disease or a personal history of pre-cancerous polyps.

How often is colonoscopy performed?

A screening colonoscopy is performed once every 10 years on healthy individuals while a surveillance colonoscopy is usually performed every two to five years and is based on the outcome of an individual’s previous colonoscopy.

Why do I need to return for a colonoscopy?

There are several reasons why a patient may be asked to return for a follow-up colonoscopy. Many of these reasons may involve a non-high-risk factor such as poor bowel prep or the inability to excise an entire polyp during the last colonoscopy. Individuals may also return for a colonoscopy within 24 months due to a personal history of colon cancer to check for recurrence. Patients may also present within a 24-month time frame when their last colonoscopy yielded polyps that were serrated or sessile in nature. This is based potentially on the look of the polyp and could be a pre-cursor to colon cancer.

Can colonoscopy be coded?

Coding colonoscopies can be one of the more difficult procedures to code in the ASC setting if you don’t have a firm understanding of rules and regulations surrounding these types of cases. Let’s take a look at some of the more common scenarios and how to apply proper coding.

Is a colonoscopy a screening?

Surveillance Colonoscopies: The term surveillance has caused quite a bit of confusion since surveillance really is still a screening. Patients with a history of colon polyps are not recommend for a screening colonoscopy, but for a surveillance.

HCPCS Level II and CPT Procedure Codes

Oncology (colorectal) screening, quantitative real-time target and signal amplification of 10 DNA markers (KRAS mutations, promoter methylation of NDRG4 and BMP3) and fecal hemoglobin, utilizing stool, algorithm reported as a positive or negative result

ICD-10 Diagnosis Codes

For multi-target stool DNA (sDNA) test, use Z12.11 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon and Z12.12 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of rectum.

Who is Covered

For colorectal cancer screening using multitarget sDNA test, coverage applies to all Medicare patients who fall are:

Frequency

For patients not meeting criteria for high risk, frequency limitations are:

How often should a colonoscopy be performed?

Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF):#N#A screening colonoscopy is performed once every 10 years for asymptomatic patients aged 50-75 with no history of colon cancer, polyps, and/or gastrointestinal disease.#N#A surveillance colonoscopy can be performed at varying ages and intervals based on the patient’s personal history of colon cancer, polyps, and/or gastrointestinal disease. Patients with a history of colon polyp (s) are not recommended for a screening colonoscopy, but for a surveillance colonoscopy. Per the USPSTF, “When the screening test results in the diagnosis of clinically significant colorectal adenomas or cancer, the patient will be followed by a surveillance regimen and recommendations for screening are no longer applicable.”#N#The USPSTF does not recommend a particular surveillance regime for patients who have a personal history of polyps and/or cancer; however, surveillance colonoscopies generally are performed in shortened intervals of two to five years. Medical societies, such as the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, regularly publish recommendations for colonoscopy surveillance.#N#The type of colonoscopy will fall into one of three categories, depending on why the patient is undergoing the procedure.#N#Diagnostic/Therapeutic colonoscopy (CPT® 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))#N#Patient has a gastrointestinal sign, symptom (s), and/or diagnosis.#N#Preventive colonoscopy screening (CPT® 45378, G0121 Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual not meeting criteria for high risk)#N#Patient is 50 years of age or older#N#Patient does not have any gastrointestinal sign, symptom (s), and/or relevant diagnosis#N#Patient does not have any personal history of colon cancer, polyps, and/or gastrointestinal disease#N#Patient may have a family history of gastrointestinal sign, symptom (s), and/or relevant diagnosis#N#Exception: Medicare patients with a family history (first degree relative with colorectal and/or adenomatous cancer) may qualify as “high risk.” Colonoscopy for these patients would not be a “surveillance,” but a screening, reported with HCPCS Level II code G0105 Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual at high risk.#N#Surveillance colonoscopy (CPT® 45378, G0105)#N#Patient does not have any gastrointestinal sign, symptom (s), and/or relevant diagnosis.#N#Patient has a personal history of colon cancer, polyps, and/or gastrointestinal disease.

How to avoid confusion during colonoscopy?

To avoid angry, confused patients, educate them about the types of colonoscopy (preventative, surveillance, or diagnostic) and insurance benefits associated with each procedure . Accomplish this by providing the patient with the correct tools.

What are the two types of ICD-9 codes?

According to ICD-9-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, section 18.d.4:#N#There are two types of history V codes, personal and family . Personal history codes explain a patient’s past medical condition that no longer exists and is not receiving any treatment, but that has the potential for recurrence, and therefore may require continued monitoring. Personal history codes may be used in conjunction with follow-up codes and family history codes may be used in conjunction with screening codes to explain the need for a test or procedure.#N#Common personal history codes used with colonoscopy are V12.72 and V10.0x Personal history of malignant neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. The family history codes include V16.0 Family history of malignant neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract; V18.51 Family history of colonic polyps; and V18.59 Family history of other digestive disorders. Lastly, V76.51 describes screening of the colon.#N#Per the ICD-9-CM official guidelines, you would be able to report V76.51 (screening) primary to V16.0 (family history of colon polyps). In contrast, you would not use V76.51 (screening) with V12.72 (personal history of colon polyps) because family history codes, not personal history codes, should be paired with screening codes. Personal history would be paired with a follow-up code.#N#Just because you get paid doesn’t mean the coding is correct: Most carriers will pay V76.51 with V12.72 because their edits are flawed and allow it. The patient’s claim will process under a patient’s preventative benefits with no out-of-pocket; however, an audit of the record with the carrier guidance will reveal that the claim incorrectly paid under preventative services when, in fact, the procedure should have paid as surveillance. The best strategy is to contact your payer to be sure you are coding correctly based on that payer’s “screening vs. surveillance” guidelines.

Which medical societies publish recommendations for colonoscopy surveillance?

Medical societies, such as the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, regularly publish recommendations for colonoscopy surveillance. The type of colonoscopy will fall into one of three categories, depending on why the patient is undergoing the procedure.

Is there an increase in colonoscopy codes?

Practices performing colonoscopies for colon and rectal cancer screenings have seen a corresponding rise in requests for “screening” colonoscopy. As a result, there is an increase in incorrectly coded colonoscopies. Practices may not understand that a majority of patients are actually not screening colonoscopies, ...

Is colonoscopy a screening?

Colonoscopy for these patients would not be a “ surveillance,” but a screening, reported with HCPCS Level II code G0105 Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual at high risk. Patient does not have any gastrointestinal sign, symptom (s), and/or relevant diagnosis.

Does the ACA cover colonoscopy?

Under the ACA, payers must offer first-dollar coverage for screening colonoscopy but are not obliged to do so for a surveillance or diagnostic colonoscopy. The patient’s history and findings determine the reason for and type of colonoscopy, driving the benefit determination.