Gastroenterology Coding Alert

The article 45380-45385: 3 Tips Put You In Touch With Proper Polypectomy Coding incorrectly stated that the code for colonoscopy with removal by hot biopsy forceps is CPT 45380 .

The text should have been:

You would use the ablation code 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 physician were ablating or fulgurating a nonbleeding polyp, tumor or lesion by a means other than hot biopsy. You shouldn't apply 45383 when the physician removes a polyp and uses:

• biopsy forceps (report 45380 instead)
• hot biopsy forceps or bipolar cautery (bill 45384 on your claim), or
• snare technique followed by ablation (report 45385).