Gastroenterology Coding Alert
Include Control of Bleeding
Question: When can we report the control of bleeding code separately from the colonoscopy? Florida Subscriber Answer: Here's a rule of thumb when trying to determine whether you can separately report your gastroeterologist's measures to control bleeding: If the procedure causes the bleeding, then managing the bleeding is included in the procedure fee. For example, a gastroenterologist has to inject epinephrine to control bleeding that starts during a polyp removal by snare technique. The control of bleeding is considered included in the code for the tumor removal, 45385 (Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; with removal of tumor[s], polyp[s], or other lesion[s] by snare technique). According to Principles of CPT Coding, the codes for endoscopic control of bleeding by any method "are intended to be used when treatment is required to control bleeding that occurs spontaneously, or as a result of traumatic injury (noniatrogenic), and not as a result of another type of operative intervention."
Gastroenterology Coding Alert
- Be a Winner With M2A Coding:
Field-Tested Tips From the Experts Ease Coding Hassles
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A sampling of several BC/BS payers shows how coding requirements for the M2Acapsule can vary. [...] - You Be the Coder:
Rule Out Problems With Proper 'Rule-Out'Diagnosis Coding
Question: We have a long-standing question in our billing office. Acouple of years ago, Medicare [...] - Be a Confident Secca Coder
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7 Coding Facts You Can't Afford to Miss When billing for Enterra Therapy, as [...] - Be Smart About CMS
A Few Web Sites Will Do the Trick Use these Internet sites to stay [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
E/M Time and Prolonged Services
Question: One of our gastroenterologists performed a new patient examination that initially took about 50 [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Is This a Consultation? The Answer May Surprise You
Question: A patient we had not previously seen was referred to our office for a [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
After-Hours Codes:When Can We Bill Them?
Question: Our office regularly stays open until 8 p.m. one evening per week for walk-ins. [...] - Identify High-Risk Diagnoses for Screening Codes G0105 and G0120
If a patient presents with a personal history of malignant neoplasm of the large intestine, [...] - Revert to CPT Codes When Screenings Turn Surgical
A screening is just a screening, until the gastroen-terologist finds something and removes it. - CHART:
Your Cheat Sheet for Colorectal Cancer Screenings - You Be The Coder:
Code Colonoscopy Through Stoma With 44388
Question: How should I code a colonoscopy through the stoma? What if a flexible sigmoidoscopy [...] - Avoid 3 Costly Colonoscopy Tumor-Removal Coding Mistakes
Unless your gastroenterologist has a perfect record of clearly documenting the technique used to remove [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Include Control of Bleeding
Question: When can we report the control of bleeding code separately from the colonoscopy? Florida [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Use Number and Method to Choose Tumor Code
Question: What are the rules for reporting the proctosigmoidoscopy and tumor removal codes? California Subscriber [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Report Endoscopy and Botox Codes
Question: My gastroenterologist recently injected Botox for a patient with anal fissures. How should I [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Avoid 82270 and G0107 for Home Screening
Question: Our physician likes to send home a colorectal screening kit with patients. The patient [...]
