How to Code Screening and Diagnostic Colonoscopy
report an incomplete colonoscopy with 45378 and append modifier 53 (discontinued procedure), which is paid at the same rate as a sigmoidoscopy. In CY 2015, the CPT instruction changed the definition of an incomplete colonoscopy to a colonoscopy that does not evaluate the entire colon. The 2015 CPT Manual states,
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]).
A preoperative examination to clear the patient for surgery is part of the global surgical package, and should not be reported separately. You should report the appropriate ICD-10 code for preoperative clearance (i.e., Z01. 810 – Z01. 818) and the appropriate ICD-10 code for the condition that prompted surgery.
If the procedure was cancelled due to poor bowel preparation, and the admission meets criteria for reporting, then a code from Z53. - Persons encountering health services for specific procedures, not carried out can be assigned.
ICD-10-CM Code for Patient's noncompliance with medical treatment and regimen Z91. 1.
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.
ICD-10-CM Code for Procedure and treatment not carried out because of other contraindication Z53. 09.
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).
Z53. 8 is assigned as an additional diagnosis as per ACS 0011; and ICD-10-AM Alphabetic Index pathway: Cancelled procedure, because of, specified reason.
Z12. 12 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of rectum - ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes.
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).
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]).
Modifier 53 applies if the provider quits a procedure because the patient is at risk. In other words, the provider does not so much choose to discontinue the procedure, as sound medical practice compels him or her to do so.
Yes, you can bill a procedure that is unsuccessful - IF - Big, Red, IF it is documented.
Procedures which are discontinued or terminated after anesthesia is induced or the procedure is initiated should be reported with modifier 74.
If a patient has had previous removal of colon polyps a few years ago, and is now presenting for surveillance colonoscopy to look for any additional polyps or recurrence of the polyp this is coded with Z12. 11, Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon as the first listed code.
The colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is still classified as a preventive service eligible for coverage at the no-member-cost-share benefit level. a. Submit the claim with Z12. 11 (Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon) as the first-listed diagnosis code; this is the reason for the service or encounter.
Medicare has always allowed CPT 45380 with ICD 9 V76. 51 (screening for malignant neoplasm, colon) as screening, but now when we're using the same diagnosis code in ICD 10, Z12. 11, they're denying it for routine.
ICD-10 Code for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of prostate- Z12. 5- Codify by AAPC.
A screening test is a test provided to a patient in the absence of signs or symptoms based on the patient’s age, gender, medical history and family history according to medical guidelines. It is defined by the population on which the test is performed, not the results or findings of the test.
The PT modifier ( colorectal cancer screening test, converted to diagnostic test or other procedure) is appended to the CPT ® code.
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 ).
G0121 ( colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual not meeting the criteria for high risk.
Medicare beneficiaries without high risk factors are eligible for screening colonoscopy every ten years. Beneficiaries at high risk for developing colorectal cancer are eligible once every 24 months. Medicare considers an individual at high risk for developing colorectal cancer as one who has one or more of the following:
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 ...
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.
Categories Z00-Z99 are provided for occasions when circumstances other than a disease, injury or external cause classifiable to categories A00 -Y89 are recorded as 'diagnoses' or 'problems'. This can arise in two main ways:
Z53.09 Procedure and treatment not carried out because of other contraindication. Z53.1 Procedure and treatment not carried out because of patient's decision for reasons of belief and group pressure. Z53.2 Procedure and treatment not carried out because of patient's decision for other and unspecified reasons.
The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM Z53.20 became effective on October 1, 2021.
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For the following CPT codes either the short description and/or the long description was changed in Group 1 Codes: 44388, 44389, 44390, 44391, 44392, 44394, 44401, 44402, 44403, 44404, 44405, 44406, 44407, 44408, 45378, 45379, 45380, 45381, 45382, 45384, 45385, 45386, 45388, 45389, 45390, 45391, 45392, 45393, 45398. Please disregard Revision History Number 5.
Local Coverage Articles are a type of educational document published by the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs). Articles often contain coding or other guidelines that are related to a Local Coverage Determination (LCD).
If you are acting on behalf of an organization, you represent that you are authorized to act on behalf of such organization and that your acceptance of the terms of this agreement creates a legally enforceable obligation of the organization. As used herein, “you” and “your” refer to you and any organization on behalf of which you are acting.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency responsible for administration of the Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Programs, contracts with certain organizations to assist in the administration of the Medicare program. Medicare contractors are required to develop and disseminate Articles. CMS believes that the Internet is an effective method to share Articles that Medicare contractors develop. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and complete information, CMS does not guarantee that there are no errors in the information displayed on this web site. THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND ITS EMPLOYEES ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR OTHER INACCURACIES IN THE INFORMATION, PRODUCT, OR PROCESSES DISCLOSED HEREIN. Neither the United States Government nor its employees represent that use of such information, product, or processes will not infringe on privately owned rights. In no event shall CMS be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of the use of such information, product, or process.
Medical record documentation (office/progress notes) maintained by the ordering/referring physician must indicate the medical necessity of the colonoscopy procedure. The procedure results/report and any associated pathology report must be included in the patient's medical record.
Contractors may specify Revenue Codes to help providers identify those Revenue Codes typically used to report this service. In most instances Revenue Codes are purely advisory. Unless specified in the article, services reported under other Revenue Codes are equally subject to this coverage determination. Complete absence of all Revenue Codes indicates that coverage is not influenced by Revenue Code and the article should be assumed to apply equally to all Revenue Codes.
Every page of the record must be legible and include appropriate patient identification information (e.g., complete name, dates of service [s]). The documentation must include the legible signature of the physician or non-physician practitioner responsible for and providing the care to the patient.
Screening colonoscopy: once every 24 months (unless a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy has been performed and then Medicare may cover a screening colonoscopy only after at least 47 months) Screening barium enema (when used instead of a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy): once every 24 months.
Screening flexible sigmoidoscopy: once every 48 months (unless the beneficiary does not meet the criteria for high risk of developing colorectal cancer and the beneficiary has had a screening colonoscopy within the preceding 10 years, in which case Medicare may cover a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy only after at least 119 months have passed following the month that the beneficiary received the screening colonoscopy)
Append modifier 33 or PT to moderate sedation codes G0500 and +99153 when moderate sedation is furnished in conjunction with screening colonoscopy services to waive the patient’s Medicare copayment/coinsurance and deductible.
What better time to refresh your coding know-how for colorectal cancer screening than National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month? Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
The deductible and coinsurance will be waived for new CPT code 00812 Anesthesia for lower intestinal endoscopic procedures, endoscope introduced distal to duodenum; screening colonoscopy beginning Jan. 1, 2018, and for claims with new CPT code 00811 Anesthesia for lower intestinal endoscopic procedures, endoscope introduced distal to duodenum; not otherwise specified the deductible will be waived when submitted with modifier PT.
Renee Dustman, BS, AAPC MACRA Proficient, is managing editor - content & editorial at AAPC. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Media Communications - Journalism. Renee has more than 30 years' experience in journalistic reporting, print production, graphic design, and content management. Follow her on Twitter @dustman_aapc.
For screening colonoscopies, fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs), flexible sigmoidoscopies, and barium enemas, coverage applies to all Medicare patients who fall into at least one of the following categories: