Question: Can we bill for a decompression when done with a colonoscopy?
Terri Nazor
Suncoast GI Associates, Bradenton, Fla
The CPT description of a colonoscopy (45378) includes the phrase with or without colon decompression (separate procedure.) The term separate procedure indicates that the service is considered to be an integral part of the procedure and may not be reported additionally. Decompression also is considered an integral part of any other procedure in the colonoscopy family of codes (45378 to 45385).