Advanced Search

Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Clarification:

August 2004 Issue of Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Published on Sat Jan 01, 2005

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.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Gastroenterology Coding Alert

View All