icd 9 code for colonoscopy follow up

Full Answer

What are the guidelines for a colonoscopy?

Guidelines for Surveillance Colonoscopy. Routine baseline colonoscopy with good to excellent prep; no precancerous polyps, no significant family history or advanced polyps: Interval to next exam is 10 years. Small rectal hyperplastic polyps: Colonoscopy or other screening options at intervals recommended for average-risk individuals.

What is the ICD 9 code for screening colonoscopy?

Screening colonoscopy. Screening Colonoscopies are performed on patients that have no presenting signs or symptoms related to the digestive system, but have reached the age for routine screenings. ICD-9- CM diagnosis code V76.51 (Special screening for malignant neoplasm, colon) is always the first listed diagnosis code regardless of the findings.

When is a screening colonoscopy becomes diagnostic?

If a polyp or lesion is found during the screening procedure, the colonoscopy becomes diagnostic and should be reported with the appropriate diagnostic colonoscopy code (45378-45392). For Medicare patients, the PT modifier would be appended to the code to indicate that this procedure began as a screening test.

What are the Medicare guidelines for colonoscopy?

Medicare will cover the complete cost of a colonoscopy if the procedure is preventative and not diagnostic. If your physician needs to remove polyps or additional tissues, then Medicare will cover only 80 percent of Medicare-approved costs. Otherwise, it will cover the complete cost of a general colonoscopy.

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 routine 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.

What is the ICD 9 code for colonoscopy?

45.2345.23 Colonoscopy - ICD-9-CM Vol. 3 Procedure Codes.

Is Z12 11 a preventive 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.

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 routine and 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.

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 ICD 10 code for poor preparation for colonoscopy?

19.

What is a complete colonoscopy?

During a colonoscopy, the doctor inserts a colonoscope into your rectum to check for abnormalities in your entire colon. A colonoscopy (koe-lun-OS-kuh-pee) is an exam used to look for changes — such as swollen, irritated tissues, polyps or cancer — in the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

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 does 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).

When does a screening colonoscopy become a diagnostic?

A colonoscopy is considered diagnostic when you've had:Signs or symptoms in the lower gastrointestinal tract noted in your medical record before the procedure, including: ... Polyps within the past 10 years.A positive stool-based test or CT colonography and require a follow-up colonoscopy.

What does Z12 11 mean?

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

What does encounter for screening mean?

Applicable To. Screening is the testing for disease or disease precursors in asymptomatic individuals so that early detection and treatment can be provided for those who test positive for the disease.

What is a screening for malignant neoplasm of colon?

Colonoscopy. In this test, the rectum and entire colon are examined using a colonoscope, a flexible lighted tube with a lens for viewing and a tool for removing tissue.

What is considered high risk for screening colonoscopy?

*For screening, people are considered to be at average risk if they do not have: A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps. A family history of colorectal cancer. A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease)

Step 1: Define Screening vs. Surveillance Colonoscopy, Determine Patient Need

Physicians and coders must be able to distinguish between a screening and surveillance colonoscopy. As defined by The U.S. Preventive Services Task...

Step 2: Properly Report Personal/Family History With Screening/Follow-Up

According to ICD-9-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, section 18.d.4:There are two types of history V codes, personal and family. Per...

Step 3: Understand Government and Carrier Screening Definitions

Following USPSTF recommendations, the ACA preventative guidelines state patients with a personal history of adenomatous polyps and/or colon cancer...

Step 4: Educate The Patient

Under the ACA, payers must offer first-dollar coverage for screening colonoscopy but are not obliged to do so for a surveillance or diagnostic colo...

Step 5: correctly Apply The Principles

Scenario 1: An asymptomatic patient is scheduled for a colonoscopy. The patient had an adenomatous polyp removed from the descending colon two year...

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.

How often does Medicare require colonoscopy?

Medicare beneficiaries without high-risk factors are eligible for a screening colonoscopy every ten years. Beneficiaries at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer are eligible for screening once every 24 months. Medicare considers an individual who is at high risk of developing colorectal cancer as one who has one or more of the following:

How effective is colonoscopy?

According to a study by the American Cancer Society, 90% colorectal cancer (CRC) cases are detected in individuals with over 50 years in the U.S and colonoscopy is the most effective and the most commonly adopted procedure for the diagnosis and screening of CRC in older adults.

What is a colonoscopy?

A Diagnostic colonoscopy is performed when an abnormal finding, sign, or symptom is found such as diarrhea, anemia, abdominal pain, or rectal bleeding. A Screening colonoscopy is performed on person without symptoms in order to test for the presence of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps. Even if a polyp or cancer is found during ...

What modifier is used for colonoscopy?

53 - Medicare guidelines state that if a patient is scheduled for a screening colonoscopy, but because of poor prep the scope cannot be advanced beyond the splenic fixture, the procedure should be coded as a colonoscopy with modifier 53 (discontinued procedure).

What is the HCPCS code for colonoscopy?

For Medicare beneficiaries, screening colonoscopy is reported using the following HCPCS codes: - G0105 (Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual at high risk), for a Medicare beneficiary at high risk for colorectal cancer, and the appropriate diagnosis code that necessitates the more frequent screening.

What is the ICD-10 code for colonoscopy without biopsy?

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.

What is colonoscopy examination?

CPT defines a colonoscopy examination as "the examination of the entire colon, from the rectum to the cecum or colon-small intestine anastomosis, and may include an examination of the terminal ileum or small intestine proximal to an anastomosis" as well.

Document Information

CPT codes, descriptions and other data only are copyright 2020 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/HHSARS apply.

CMS National Coverage Policy

This LCD supplements but does not replace, modify or supersede existing Medicare applicable National Coverage Determinations (NCDs) or payment policy rules and regulations for diagnostic colonoscopy. Federal statute and subsequent Medicare regulations regarding provision and payment for medical services are lengthy.

Coverage Guidance

Compliance with the provisions in this policy may be monitored and addressed through post payment data analysis and subsequent medical review audits. History/Background and/or General Information Colonoscopy allows direct visual examination of the intestinal tract with a flexible tube containing light transmitting glass fibers that return a magnified image.

Is Z09-encounter a screening?

No modifiers since it is not a screening. You can also use Z09-encounter for follow up exam after completed treatment for conditions other than malignant neoplasm. As long as you don't use G0105, you should be fine. CMS does not impose limits on 45378 as long as it meets medical necessity, which it does in your case.

Can you use Z09 encounter for a follow up exam?

You can also use Z09-encounter for follow up exam after completed treatment for conditions other than malignant neoplasm. As long as you don't use G0105, you should be fine. CMS does not impose limits on 45378 as long as it meets medical necessity, which it does in your case. You must log in or register to reply here.