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Gastroenterology Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Call on Injection Code for Pre-Surgical Marking

Published on Mon Mar 23, 2009

Question: What procedure code should I use for a flexible sigmoidoscopy to 15 cm and only done to tattoo a lesion that was found on an earlier procedure? This marked area will be removed at another procedure in the near future. South Carolina Subscriber Answer: Use 45335 (Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with directed submucosal injection[s], any substance). You can use the injection codes for a variety of substances the physician injects into the intestinal mucosa. This includes saline to lift a polyp, epinephrine to stop bleeding, botox for sphincter spasm, solumedrol for strictures, or India ink for tattooing of cancerous lesions.
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