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Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Enema Administration:

Case Analysis: Skip Radiology Codes For Rectal Drug Supervision

Published on Mon Oct 10, 2011

ICD-9 564.0x should describe constipation, but don't forget to report comorbid conditions, too.Not all enemas are imaging procedures. Sometimes the gastroenterologist will opt to administer an enema to treat constipation. Your challenge in such cases is whether to include the enema tubing in an E/M or bill it as a separate procedure. Use the following situation -- plus the bonus tips -- to help you with accurate coding.Scenario: Our nursing staff administered an enema for an elderly gentleman due to severe constipation after an office visit with his physician. The patient has history of encopresis and constipation. What code choices do you have?Say No To Imaging Services 74283, 74270Seeing the word 'enema' can sometimes mislead you to consider 74283 (Therapeutic enema, contrast or air, for reduction of intussusception or other intraluminal obstruction [e.g., meconium ileus]), but you should stop right there.Why: Don't report 74283 because this code wouldn't be appropriate for this [...]
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