Advanced Search

Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Coding Clarification:

Sigmoidoscopy Code and EGD

Published on Wed Sep 08, 2004

In the August 2004 issue of Gastroenterology Coding Alert, the article "Must-Know Tips for Teaching Modifiers" on page 61 reads: "If, for example, the gastroenterologist spends an inordinate amount of time removing polyps during an EGD, don't just report 45333 (Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with removal of tumor[s], polyp[s], or other lesion[s] by hot biopsy forceps or bipolar cautery) and append modifier -22; you should also make sure there is documentation that specifies exactly how long the procedure took, and how much extra work was involved."
 
The text should have read: "If, for example, the gastroenterologist spends an inordinate amount of time removing polyps during a sigmoidoscopy, don't just report 45333 (Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with removal of tumor[s], polyp[s], or other lesion[s] by hot biopsy forceps or bipolar cautery) and append modifier -22; you should also make sure there is documentation that specifies exactly how long the procedure took, and how much extra work was involved."
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 Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 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

Other Articles in this issue of

Gastroenterology Coding Alert

View All