Question: During a patient’s routine screening colonoscopy, there were approximately a dozen white thin parasites seen. Fluid aspiration was performed through the scope suction channel and samples were sent to lab. How should I code this?
Florida Subscriber
Answer: You should report with 45378 (Colonoscopy, flexible...; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen[s] by brushing or washing, with or without colon decompression [separate procedure]).
In this procedure, the provider examines the inner part of the colon and rectum using a colonoscope, a flexible tube with a camera at its one end. He then may also perform a brushing or washing of the colon to collect specimens. He may also perform a colon decompression during this procedure. You should not use 45380 (Colonoscopy, flexible; with biopsy, single or multiple) because the surgeon did not perform an actual biopsy.
