Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Question: How is a patient considered high risk for developing colorectal cancer?

Maine Subscriber

Answer: An individual at high risk for developing colorectal cancer has one or more of the following:

• a first-degree relative (sibling, parent, or child) who has had colorectal cancer or an adenomatous polyp
• a family history of familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer
• a personal history of adenomatous polyps, malignant neoplasm of the large intestine, colorectal cancer, or gastrointestinal cancer inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Remember, a screening colonoscopy for high-risk patientscould be conducted once every 24 months, and should be reported with G0105 (Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual at high risk).