Two Sets of Procedure Codes Used for Screening Colonoscopy: 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) and Healthcare Common Procedural Coding System (HCPCS) codes G0105 and G0121
the codes for reporting these procedures differ between Medicare and other payors. For non-Medicare payors, use the CPT conventions. Colonoscopy codes are listed in the digestive section of CPT, codes 45378–45398 (or codes 44388–44408, if performed through a stoma rather than the anus). CPT code 45378 is the base code for a colonoscopy without
Procedures
What is the difference between a “screening” colonoscopy and a “diagnostic” colonoscopy? A “screening” colonoscopy is a colonoscopy that is done for the prevention of colorectal cancer and is considered a preventive health service. A screening colonoscopy will have no out-of-pocket costs for patients (such as co-pays or deductibles).
When reporting a screening colonoscopy on a non-Medicare patient, report CPT® code 45378 and use the appropriate screening diagnosis 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.
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.
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'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]).
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.
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.
Z12. 12 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of rectum - ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes.
11 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Factors influencing health status and contact with health services .
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.)
How do I bill for a patient seen in our office prior to a screening colonoscopy with no GI symptoms and who is otherwise healthy? A visit prior to a screening colonoscopy for a healthy patient is not billable.
Z12. 31, Encounter for screening mammogram for malignant neoplasm of breast, is the primary diagnosis code assigned for a screening mammogram.
Z13. 820 Encounter for screening for osteoporosis - ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes.
Z00.00ICD-10 Code for Encounter for general adult medical examination without abnormal findings- Z00. 00- Codify by AAPC.
The term "malignant neoplasm" means that a tumor is cancerous. A doctor may suspect this diagnosis based on observation — such as during a colonoscopy — but usually a biopsy of the lesion or mass is needed to tell for sure whether it is malignant or benign (not cancerous).
The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM Z12.11 became effective on October 1, 2021.
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. Type 1 Excludes. encounter for diagnostic examination-code to sign or symptom. Use Additional.
In this case, since the word SURVEILLANCE colonoscopy is documented, I would recommend coding this as a screening (Z12.11), followed by any findings, as well as the personal history of colonic polyps (Z86.010) – sequenced in that order.
Remember that once the polyp is removed the patient follow up visits should not be code with K63.5, polyp of colon. Then, use code Z86.010, personal history of colonic polyps.
A screening code may be a first-listed code if the reason for the visit is specifically the screening exam. It may also be used as an additional code if the screening is done during an office visit for other health problems. A screening code is not necessary if the screening is inherent to a routine examination, such as a pap smear done during a routine pelvic examination.
A screening mammogram is an example of such a test. If a screening examination identifies pathology, the code for the reason the test (namely, the screening code from categories Z11-Z13) is assigned as the principle diagnosis or first-listed code, followed by a code for the pathology or condition found during the screening exam.”.
I 21 c Screening is the testing for disease or disease precursors in seemingly well individuals so that early detection and treatment can be provided for those who test positive for the disease (e.g., screening mammogram).
In these cases, the sign or symptom is used to explain the reason for the test.
A: Of note, if there is only a diagnosis of FAMILY history of colon cancer and nothing else is documented, these are coded as a screening (even if the physician doesn’t document screening). This is based on a Coding Clinic, 1999, 1st qtr. page 4.
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.
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.)
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.
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)
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.
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:
A claim submitted without a valid ICD-10-CM diagnosis code will be returned to the provider as an incomplete claim under Section 1833 (e) of the Social Security Act.