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Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

998.11: Lean On Accuracy For Postoperative Complications

Published on Mon Aug 01, 2011

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