Question: A patient with esophagitis reported for a scheduled esophagoscopy with biopsy. On her registration form, the patient also reported having severe, generalized stomach pain and bouts of vomiting in the past week. The gastroenterologist performed the esophagoscopy, and then provided level-two evaluation and management service for the stomach pain and vomiting. How should I report the encounter? In this instance, you are allowed to report both codes because the E/M service was a significant, separate service from the esophagoscopy. However, if the gastroenterologist performed the esophagoscopy and then provided E/M service for stomach pain and vomiting related to the procedure, the E/M would be bundled into 43202.
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Answer: If your claim proves that the gastroenterologist performed the esophagoscopy with biopsy, then lent separate time and expertise to the patient's stomach pain and vomiting, you can report a procedure code and the E/M service.
How? Make sure you provide solid documentation on both procedures and link the appropriate diagnosis codes to each service the gastroenterologist provides.
On your claim, you should: