tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2005 Issue 5

READER QUESTIONS: Decompression Bundled to Colonoscopy Code

Question: A patient presented with a pseudo-obstruction in the colon. The surgeon placed a decompression tube via guidewire during a colonoscopy. Can we report separate codes for the colonoscopy and decompression tube placement?Arkansas SubscriberAnswer: You should not report the colonoscopy and tube placement independently. On the claim, report only 45378 (Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen[s] by brushing or washing, with or without colon decompression [separate procedure]) for the procedure. Code 45378 is the correct code for a diagnostic colonoscopy "with or without decompression," according to CPT's definition. ...

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