Gastroenterology Coding Alert

The article "Find Polyp Removal Methods, Avoid Colonoscopy Coding Quandaries" in the August 2004 edition of Gastroenterology Coding Alert contained some incorrect advice.

The passage beginning "If the gastro ablates with hot biopsy forceps, report CPT 45380 (Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; with biopsy, single or multiple) instead" should have read:

"If the gastro ablates the polyp with hot biopsy forceps and doesn't remove any tissue for pathology, report 45383 (Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; with ablation of tumor[s], polyp[s], or other lesion[s] not amenable to removal by hot biopsy forceps, bipolar cautery or snare technique). If the gastro takes tissue for pathology and then ablates the rest of the polyp with hot forceps, report 45384 (Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; with removal of tumor[s], polyp[s], or other lesion[s] by hot biopsy forceps or bipolar cautery) instead."  - Clinical and coding expertise for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions provided by Michael Weinstein, MD, a gastroenterologist in Washington, D.C., and former member of the CPT advisory panel; and Linda Parks, MA, CPC, CCP, independent coding and billing consultant in Marietta, Ga.