icd-10 code for positive cologuard test

by William Schamberger 7 min read

When a patient undergoes colonoscopy for a positive Cologuard test and there are no abnormal findings, the coder would report the diagnosis as R19. 5 (other fecal abnormalities).

What does a positive result mean in a ColoGuard test?

If you receive a positive result on your Cologuard test, it is likely that you already have colorectal cancer or pre-cancerous colon polyps that are causing bleeding. False positive results are common with non-colonoscopy screening tests.

How accurate is ColoGuard test?

  • The test results for detecting precancerous polyps aren’t very accurate compared to those of colonoscopy.
  • High chances of false positives can make you anxious while waiting for further testing.
  • The test may also miss the presence of polyps or colon cancer (false negative).
  • One of the main drawbacks of Cologuard is the associated cost. ...

What is the ICD 10 diagnosis code for?

The ICD-10-CM is a catalog of diagnosis codes used by medical professionals for medical coding and reporting in health care settings. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) maintain the catalog in the U.S. releasing yearly updates.

What does a positive or negative Cologuard result mean?

Understanding a Cologuard result Cologuard is a screening test that looks for altered DNA and/or blood that could be signs of precancerous growths or colorectal cancer. A negative result means Cologuard did not detect these potential signs A positive result means these potential signs were detected

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What does a positive cologuard test mean?

If the Cologuard test is positive, it may mean that colon cancer or polyps are present. After a positive Cologuard test a colonoscopy is required for a definitive answer. The Cologuard test has a 13% false-positive rate, which means 1 in 10 positive tests will incorrectly identify cancer or polyps.

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

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.

Does Medicare cover colonoscopy after positive cologuard test?

But agreeing to that cheaper, easier DNA screening for colorectal cancer can cost consumers much more in the end. Because if that test comes back positive, as mine did, some insurers and Medicare will no longer cover as a preventive service the colonoscopy that your doctor will inevitably order next.

What does Z12 11 mean?

2022 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Z12. 11: Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon.

How do you code colonoscopy after positive cologuard?

When a patient is referred for a colonoscopy due to a positive Cologuard® test, the principal diagnosis will be selected and assigned based on the results of the diagnostic colonoscopy. If the colonoscopy demonstrates no abnormal findings, assign the code: R19. 5 Other fecal abnormalities.

What is the diagnosis code for preventive colonoscopy?

Procedure code: G0121 (Average risk screening) or 45378-33 (Diagnostic colonoscopy with modifier 33 indicating this is a preventive service).

Is cologuard considered a colonoscopy?

Cologuard vs Colonoscopy Stool DNA (Cologuard) testing is designed to detect and not prevent cancer. A colonoscopy is the only test that both detects and prevents colon cancer. Negative stool DNA (Cologuard) tests should be repeated every 3 years.

What can cause a positive result in a cologuard test?

If you receive a positive result on your Cologuard test, it is likely that you already have colorectal cancer or pre-cancerous colon polyps that are causing bleeding. False positive results are common with non-colonoscopy screening tests.

Why are colonoscopies not recommended after age 75?

“There are risks involved with colonoscopy, such as bleeding and perforation of the colon, and also risks involved with the preparation, especially in older people,” Dr.

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.

What does Z12 12 mean?

ICD-10 code Z12. 12 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of rectum is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Factors influencing health status and contact with health services .

What is the ICD-10 code for colon polyps?

Proper ICD-10 coding requires two codes, in this case: K63. 5 and Z83. 71 Family history of colonic polyps.

Can a PCP explain +cologuard?

The PCP may or may not explain this to the patient, so it's best that when a patient contacts your office with a +cologuard result, you have a policy in place that explains to them they are now a symptomatic patient and copays/deductibles/coinsurance will apply if required by their insurance policy.

Does UHC recognize polyps?

Some insurance plans (UHC, specifically) do not recognize screening or high risk screening IF a polyp was removed. Now, add this cologuard test into the mix and I'm feeling like I will really be at odds with my patients and doctors, since they have made the decision for a screening test. Will my office have to "warn every patient ...

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