Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Check for clues in the documentation for improved accuracy. When your physician treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), he may conduct diagnostic tests such as esophageal motility studies to evaluate the condition prior to a surgical intervention. See our advice below appropriately coding these tests for optimal results. Look for Both Manometry and pH Monitoring If your gastroenterologist is trying to evaluate the patient's esophagus for neuromuscular disorders, he is more likely to opt for esophageal manometry. "Esophageal manometry studies are used to evaluate how well the esophagus functions," says Bridgette Martin, LPN, CPC, CGIC, Coding Specialist-Gastroenterology Associates, Evansville, Indiana. "They may also be ordered to evaluate a patient prior to recommending anti-reflux surgery." The patient's documentation will probably show mention of a "manometry nasal catheter" and pressure readings. You report this procedure with 91010 (Esophageal motility [manometric study of the esophagus and/or gastroesophageal junction] study with interpretation and report). Sometimes, [...]