The CPT® codebook, in contrast to CMS rules, instructs, "For an incomplete colonoscopy, with full preparation for a colonoscopy, use a colonoscopy code with the modifier 52 and provide documentation." Some non-Medicare payers may follow CMS guidelines for an incomplete colonoscopy, while others may adhere to CPT®
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,
When coding colonoscopies a complete colonoscopy must reach the cecum, in this case it's incomplete which results in modifier 52. When using modifier 53 in colonoscopies it should be used when the procedure is aborted for incomplete prep or questionable health status of the patient.
for diagnostic colonoscopy, CPT code 45378, decreased 9 percent, from 3.69 to 3.36. The colonoscopy code set still includes moderate sedation. Therefore, the endoscopist may not report an additional code for supervision of moderate sedation (99143– 99150) or anesthesia (00740 or 00810). A second physician, other than the one performing
Incomplete colonoscopies are reported with the 53 modifier. Medicare will pay for the interrupted colonoscopy at a rate that is calculated using one-half the value of the inputs for the codes.
Answer: Per CPT guidelines, if the colonoscopy was a screening or diagnostic colonoscopy, CPT code 45378 would be reported with modifier 53, Discontinued Procedure. This indicates that a diagnostic or screening was not complete to the cecum.
If a standard colonoscopy is not successful despite the described methods, alternative endoscopic approaches or imaging can be considered. Current options include repeat colonoscopy with or without anesthesia, double-contrast barium enema, computed tomography colonography (CTC), or overtube-assisted 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.
The 2018 CPT code book introduced 2 new codes to report anesthesia during colonoscopy: 00811 Anesthesia for lower intestinal endoscopic procedures, endoscope introduced distal to duodenum; not otherwise specified. 00812 Screening colonoscopy.
CPT code 45378 is currently assigned to ASC payment group 2. Code G0105 (colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual at high risk) has been added to the ASC list effective for services furnished on or after January 1, 1998.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a limited examination that uses a shorter colonoscope and examines only the last one-third of the colon. Patients will be kept in an observation area for an hour or two post-colonoscopy until the effects of medications that have been given wear off.
Review of the literature: A second look colonoscopy is proposed when there remains a doubt about missed neoplastic lesions, either because the intestinal preparation was poor or because the video-endoscope did not achieved a complete course in the colon.
If you have a polyp or other abnormal tissue that couldn't be removed during the colonoscopy, your doctor may recommend a repeat exam with a gastroenterologist who has special expertise in removing large polyps, or surgery.
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.
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).
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 .
Z53.20 Procedure and treatment not carried out because of patient's decision for unspecified reasons. Z53.21 Procedure and treatment not carried out due to patient leaving prior to being seen by health care provider. Z53.29 Procedure and treatment not carried out because of patient's decision for other reasons.
Categories Z40-Z53 are intended for use to indicate a reason for care. They may be used for patients who have already been treated for a disease or injury, but who are receiving aftercare or prophylactic care, or care to consolidate the treatment, or to deal with a residual state. Type 2 Excludes.
Effective for dates of service on or after January 1, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) established values for incomplete diagnostic and screening colonoscopies under Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) definition of an incomplete colonoscopy where the colonoscope is advanced past the splenic flexure, but not to the cecum.
Coding correctly the first time will eliminate the need to appeal the claim. In some cases, you may plan to provide a colonoscopy (screening or diagnostic) but, due to unforeseen circumstances, may be unable to complete the procedure.
Note: When a covered colonoscopy is next attempted and completed, Medicare will pay according to the payment methodology for this procedure as long as coverage conditions are met. This policy is applied to both screening and diagnostic colonoscopies.
CPT codes, descriptions and other data only are copyright 2020 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/HHSARS apply.
Title XVIII of the Social Security Act §1833 (e) prohibits Medicare payment for any claim which lacks the necessary information to process the claim.
A covered colonoscopy that is attempted but cannot be completed because of extenuating circumstances is considered to be an incomplete colonoscopy (the inability to advance the colonoscope to the cecum or to the colon-small intestine anastomosis due to unforeseen circumstances).
Contractors may specify Bill Types to help providers identify those Bill Types typically used to report this service. Absence of a Bill Type does not guarantee that the article does not apply to that Bill Type.
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.
Prior to 2015, CPT® defined “incomplete colonoscopy” as a colonoscopy that did not evaluate the colon past the splenic flexure (the distal third of the colon).
New payment rates will apply when modifier 53 Discontinued procedure is appended to CPT®/HCPCS Level II codes: