icd 10 code for surveillance of prior colorectal cancer

When should Z12 11 be used?

If the patient presents for a screening colonoscopy and a polyp or any other lesion/diagnosis is found, the primary diagnosis is still going to be Z12. 11, Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon. The coder should also report the polyp or findings as additional diagnosis codes.

What is the ICD 10 code for surveillance colonoscopy?

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.

Can you code Z12 11 and Z86 010?

When reporting the diagnosis code, I would suggest reporting Z12. 11 (encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of the digestive organs) and Z86. 010 (personal history of colonic polyps) second. The patient will probably need to appeal this to their insurance company.

What is the difference between 45378 and 45380?

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.)

Do you use Z12 11 on surveillance colonoscopy?

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.

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

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.

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.

Is Z86 010 a screening code?

An exam can be reported as a surveillance colonoscopy is the patient has a history of polyps, is now returning for a follow-up exam and is otherwise asymptomatic. Code Z86. 010 (Personal history of colonic polyps) should be reported if the previous polyps were benign.

What is the difference between G0105 and G0121?

For Medicare beneficiaries, use Healthcare Common Procedural Coding System (HCPCS) code G0105 (Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual at high risk) or G0121 (Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual not meeting the criteria for high risk) as appropriate.

What does CPT 45378 mean?

Colonoscopy, flexible; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed.

What is the difference between CPT 45380 and 45385?

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.

Can 45380 and 45381 be billed together?

45381 is not bundled into 45385 and 45380.

What is the CPT code for surveillance colonoscopy?

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]).

Does Medicare pay for surveillance colonoscopy?

Colonoscopies. Medicare covers screening colonoscopies once every 24 months if you're at high risk for colorectal cancer. If you aren't at high risk, Medicare covers the test once every 120 months, or 48 months after a previous flexible sigmoidoscopy. There's no minimum age requirement.

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.

How do you bill a screening colonoscopy turned diagnostic?

If during a colonoscopy a pathology is encountered that necessitates an intervention which converts the screening colonoscopy to a diagnostic/therapeutic colonoscopy, the appropriate CPT® code which includes the –PT modifier for the diagnostic/therapeutic colonoscopy must be submitted with an appropriate diagnosis to ...

What is the Difference between a Screening Test and a Diagnostic Colonoscopy?

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.

What does PT mean in CPT?

The PT modifier ( colorectal cancer screening test, converted to diagnostic test or other procedure) is appended to the CPT ® code.

What is the code for colonoscopy?

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 is G0121 in medical terms?

G0121 ( colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual not meeting the criteria for high risk.

How often can you get a colonoscopy with Medicare?

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:

What is a colonoscopy screening?

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 ...

What is a G0121?

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.

How often is a colonoscopy performed?

At a frequency of once every 10 years (i.e., at least 119 months have passed following the month in which the last covered HCPCS G0121 screening colonoscopy was performed.)

What is the CPT code for colonoscopy?

Effective January 1, 2018, anesthesia services furnished in conjunction with and in support of a screening colonoscopy are reported with CPT code 00812 and coinsurance and deductible are waived. When a screening colonoscopy becomes a diagnostic colonoscopy, anesthesia services are reported with CPT code 00811 and with the PT modifier; only the deductible is waived.

What is the sensitivity of a blood based screening test?

proven test performance characteristics for a blood-based screening test with both sensitivity greater than or equal to 74% and specificity greater than or equal to 90% in the detection of colorectal cancer compared to the recognized standard (accepted as colonoscopy at this time), as minimal threshold levels, based on the pivotal studies included in the FDA.

How often should you have a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Once every 48 months (i.e., at least 47 months have passed following the month in which the last covered screening flexible sigmoidoscopy was performed)

How often is a biomarker test required for Medicare?

Effective for dates of service on or after January 19, 2021, a blood-based biomarker test is covered as an appropriate colorectal cancer screening test once every 3 years for Medicare beneficiaries when performed in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA)-certified laboratory, when ordered by a treating physician and when all of the following requirements are met:

What is an ABN in Medicare?

An ABN may be used for services which are likely to be non-covered, whether for medical necessity or for other reasons. Refer to CMS Publication 100-04, Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 30, for complete instructions.

When did CPT 00810 become effective?

Effective January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017, anesthesia professionals who furnish a separately payable anesthesia service (CPT code 00810) in conjunction with a screening colonoscopy shall include the following on the claim for the services that qualify for the waiver of coinsurance and deductible:

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 adenomatous polyps covered by the ACA?

Following USPSTF recommendations, the ACA preventative guidelines state patients with a personal history of adenomatous polyps and/or colon cancer are not covered under a screening guidance, but rather under a surveillance regimen.

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.

WHAT IS THE RISK OF COLORECTAL CANCER?

It is estimated that the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women. The risk is similar for men and women. In men as a whole, it is the third most common non-skin cancer, behind prostate and lung cancers. In Hispanic men, colorectal cancer is more common than lung cancer. For all women, it is also the third most common, behind breast and lung cancers, but is second in women of Hispanic or Asian/Pacific Islander descent.

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING?

Large studies done both in the United States and in Europe have shown that routine colonoscopy with the removal of polyps may reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer by about 75%.

WHAT SCREENING TESTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) uses either a chemical reaction or antibodies to detect very small amounts of blood in stool that may have been shed from a cancer or polyp. Usually two samples are taken from three consecutive stools at home and are placed on collection cards. These are then returned to the ordering physician or lab for analysis. Short-term changes in diet may be needed around the time the samples are collected to prevent falsely positive results. Well-done large studies have shown that when properly administered to patients between 50 and 80 years of age, FOBT will reduce the risk of death from colorectal cancer by 15-33%.

WHAT IS A COLON AND RECTAL SURGEON?

Colon and rectal surgeons are experts in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. They have completed advanced surgical training in the treatment of these diseases as well as full general surgical training. Board-certified colon and rectal surgeons complete residencies in general surgery and colon and rectal surgery, and pass intensive examinations conducted by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. They are well-versed in the treatment of both benign and malignant diseases of the colon, rectum and anus and are able to perform routine screening examinations and surgically treat conditions if indicated to do so.

What is a FAP?

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) is an uncommon inherited condition which typically causes hundreds of polyps in the colon. Patients with this condition have an almost 100% chance of developing colorectal cancer, usually before age 50.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of FOBT?

The advantages of FOBT are that it is inexpensive and non-invasive; bowel cleansing and sedation are not required. Disadvantages include its low specificity (low likelihood a positive test indicates the presence of cancer) – only about 2-5% of patients with a positive FOBT actually have cancer. Additionally, it is not very sensitive (the test identifies a cancer if it is present); about half of all colorectal cancers can be detected by this method, but only 10% of patients with pre-cancerous polyps will have a positive test. Positive tests require another procedure, typically a colonoscopy.

What is the name of the cancer that occurs in multiple family members?

People with multiple family members with colorectal, urinary tract (kidney or bladder), or gynecologic (uterus or ovary) cancers, especially if these cancers occurred at an early age, may have a condition called hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. They should undergo genetic testing and counseling; colonoscopy every 1-2 years beginning at age 20-25 is recommended.