Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Question: Which diagnosis code should we report when the physician performs a colonoscopy and suspects the patient of having Crohn’s disease?

Pennsylvania Subscriber

Answer: The answer depends on whether the Crohn’s diagnosis is confirmed or simply suspected, as you mention. If he confirms a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, you’ll report a Crohn’s code such as K50.90 (Crohn’s disease, unspecified, without complications) as the primary diagnosis for the colonoscopy.

However, if your gastroenterologist performs a procedure and the evidence is inconclusive, you should fall back on codes for the signs and symptoms that prompted the colonoscopy service.