Can a physician bill for a screening colonoscopy for colorectal cancer (V76.51) if the patient has known diverticulosis? The patient's diverticulosis is noted on the H&P but the patient is being seen for a screening. On the indications for his op report the provider lists "screening" and he documents the colonoscopy. There may or may not be polyps removed and the diverticulosis is noted. There's some debate as to whether or not this can still be called a screening. Since the patient is not having signs or symptoms of what's being screened (cancer), should it still be considered screening? On the other hand, we don't have signs or symptoms but we do have a known disease before the colonoscopy. Does this make it diagnostic even if the intent by the physician was a screening? Any thoughts and references would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Sue
Thanks,
Sue