Inpatient Facility Coding & Compliance Alert

Question: While coding for a procedure, can we consider colonoscopy as a root operation?

Alabama Subscriber

Answer: A root operation actually defines the objective of the procedure. There are 31 different root operation values such as Release, Removal, Repair, Replacement, Reposition, Resection, Restriction, Revision, Supplement, Transfer, Transplantation, and more.

Remember: Each root operation identifies a precise and distinct objective. The root operation is coded according to the objective of the procedure actually performed.

To answer your question, composite terms (e.g., colonoscopy, sigmoidectomy) are not root operations. These are combination procedures that are coded separately. In fact, each procedure with a distinct objective during an operative episode is coded separately.