General Surgery Coding Alert

Let method lead you to the right polypectomy code -- every time.When your general surgeon performs a colonoscopy -- whether screening or diagnostic -- and removes one or more polyps, you need to zero in on four codes to describe the service. Choosing the wrong code could cost your practice $$, and failing to report a legitimate additional code could cost you even more. Heed your surgeon's documentation about polyp location and removal method, and use that information to pick the right code(s) from the following four coding options.1. Snare Technique Takes 45385The most common method that surgeons use to remove polyps during a colonoscopy is the snare technique. The method employs an electrocautery snare -- a heated wire loop that shaves off the polyp. If that description fits your surgeon's op note, report 45385 (Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; with removal of tumor[s], polyp[s], or other lesion[s] by snare technique).Physicians could theoretically [...]