Wiki Colonoscopy 2015

[ibtrazy2u]

If colonoscopy was done up to ascending colon and then could not be continued due to poor bowel prep how would this be coded for 2014 and 2015? Thanks.

 

[MAult142]

In 2014: if the doctor couldn't get the scope past the splenic flexure, you would code 45378-53. Since the ascending colon is beyond the splenic flexure, that would be coded as 45378 without any modifier because it was far enough to be considered complete.

In 2015: you would code it as 45378-53 because the doctor got past the splenic flexure but did not reach the cecum.

There is a flow chart in the cpt book that helps you determine what cpt code and what modifier to use when the doctor doesn't make it to the cecum.

Also, I have found this link to be invaluable:

http://www.gastro.org/practice/coding/395-005PNQ_14-6_CPT_Coding_Updates_FINAL.pdf