tpontillo
Guest
How many polyp removals in a colonoscopy would be excessive to warrent the 22 modifer?
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Wiki modifier 22 - How many polyp removals
- Thread starter tpontillo
- Start date
jgf-CPC
Guest
I have read that if it takes more than the usual 20 minutes for more polyps or maybe a tortuous colon then you would append the 22 modifier using an example of 90 or 120 minutes. And remember it must have the proper documentation to prove this.
"A colonoscopy is performed on a patient with a tortuous colon. Instead of taking the usual 20 minutes to complete, the gastroenterologist spends 90 minutes navigating the scope through the twists and turns of the patients lower intestine. Modifier -22 (unusual procedural services) is attached to the colonoscopy procedure code when the claim is filed."
"A colonoscopy is performed on a patient with a tortuous colon. Instead of taking the usual 20 minutes to complete, the gastroenterologist spends 90 minutes navigating the scope through the twists and turns of the patients lower intestine. Modifier -22 (unusual procedural services) is attached to the colonoscopy procedure code when the claim is filed."
tpontillo
Guest
Thank you. I knew that there was a time involved but couldnt remember. My office manager was asking me about 5 polyps but nothing was said in the report that more time was taken to remove them. I told her I didnt think it warrented a 22 modifier but I wanted to double check.
DEDGE CGIC
Guest
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What cost differential do you apply when adding the 22 modifier as properly supported by the documentation?
jojogi
Guest
According to the AGA coding manual, more than 10 polyps warrant the modifier 22
hollee.hamilton
New
modifier 22 in GI
Would it be advised to add the modifier 22 to a colonoscopy that includes a polypectomy, injection to raise the polyp and used clips to stop the bleeding?
Would it be advised to add the modifier 22 to a colonoscopy that includes a polypectomy, injection to raise the polyp and used clips to stop the bleeding?
rcclary
Networker
No it would not warrent the use of 22 modifier but you can charge for the polypectomy and the saline injection but you cannot bill for the endoclip to control bleeding.