Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Question: What diagnosis code would you use for post polypectomy bleeding of the colon?

Washington Subscriber

Answer: You should bill 998.11 (Hemorrhage complicating a procedure). ICD-9 578.9 (Hemorrhage of gastrointestinal tract, unspecified) also applies to a hemorrhage from the colon, but 998.11 is better in this case because you're reporting postoperative complications.

Option: Similar to what some coders do, you could include both diagnoses in your claim to cover your base more completely.