AMA CPT® Assistant - 2016 Issue 6 (June)
Surgery: Digestive System (Q&A) (June 2016)
June 2016 page 8c Surgery: Digestive System Question: Is chromoendoscopy separately reportable in addition to a diagnostic colonoscopy or other diagnostic endoscopic procedures, and would the unlisted code be used for reporting? Answer: Only the colonoscopy code should be reported. Chromoendoscopy is a topical or spray-on application of dyes or stains that are used to enhance tissue characterization or diagnosis. Unlike tattooing in which substances such as India ink are injected, chromoendoscopy is incident to the colonoscopy and, therefore, it is not reported separately. Surgery: Digestive System (Q&A) (June 2016). CPT® Assistant. 2016; June 2016 page 8c ...
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Article Overview
This article is a brief CPT Assistant question-and-answer item focused on digestive system endoscopy coding guidance. It discusses whether chromoendoscopy is treated as separately reportable in the context of diagnostic colonoscopy and related diagnostic endoscopic procedures, and whether an unlisted code would be considered. It is relevant to professional coders, auditors, and gastroenterology billing staff reviewing endoscopy reporting practices.
Why This Topic Matters
The article clarifies a common reporting question for digestive system endoscopy services and helps readers understand the scope of CPT guidance discussed in a June 2016 issue of CPT Assistant.
What You Will Learn
- The general topic of chromoendoscopy in digestive system endoscopy reporting
- How the article frames the relationship between chromoendoscopy and diagnostic colonoscopy
- What type of coding question is being addressed in the June 2016 Q&A format
- The context in which unlisted code reporting is discussed
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Gastroenterology billing staff
- Physician practices
- Compliance professionals
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