AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS - 2019 Issue 1; Ask the Editor
Cologuard® Test
A patient is referred for a colonoscopy due to the positive results of a Cologuard® test. During colonoscopy, a cecal polyp was found and removed. The preoperative diagnosis is screening colonoscopy and abnormal Cologuard®. What is the ICD-10-CM code for the colonoscopy encounter? ...
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Article Overview
This short coding article focuses on colonoscopy encounters that follow a positive Cologuard® result. It is aimed at coders and billing staff who need to understand the general documentation and diagnosis-coding context for outpatient services, including the use of official coding guidance when a diagnostic exam has a confirmed finding.
Why This Topic Matters
Articles like this help coding professionals interpret encounter purpose and documentation in a way that supports accurate outpatient diagnosis coding and reporting.
What You Will Learn
- How a positive stool-based screening result can affect the general classification of a colonoscopy encounter
- How outpatient coding guidance applies when final diagnostic findings are available
- What documentation context is relevant for assigning the first-listed diagnosis for the encounter
- How the article frames the relationship between screening and diagnostic follow-up
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing specialists
- Health information management professionals
Codes Discussed
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