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Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Code Scope Based on Exam or Entry Site?

Published on Thu May 28, 2009

Question: A patient presented for a larynx examination to see how shes responding to treatment, but the oncologist inserted the scope through the nose. Should I report a nasopharyngoscopy or laryngoscopy? Oregon Subscriber Answer: If the oncologist documented examining the larynx, you should report a laryngoscopy (31575,Laryngoscopy, flexible fiberoptic; diagnostic). Reason: The anatomic area examined is the key to choosing the proper code. You should not base your code on the insertion point.
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