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Gastroenterology Coding Alert

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Finesse Your Internal Hemorrhoid Removal Claims With These Pointers

Published on Wed Jan 19, 2011

Removal method notes help guide you to the right code.When your gastroenterologist performs internal hemorrhoid removals in the office, you'll stand a better chance of recouping for those services if you've looked closely at hemorrhoid location and specific removal method. Take this quick refresher on coding basics. Look for Location and Anesthesia to Ascertain TypeTo accurately report a hemorrhoid-related procedure, you should first identify the hemorrhoid type. Hemorrhoids are a plexus of veins present in the anal canal, veins that aid the smooth movement of stools and send back blood from the anal canal to the heart. These veins cause concern only when they become inflamed or begin to bleed. Hemorrhoids are often distinguished by relation to the dentate line, which is a mucocutaneous junction found about 1-1.5cms higher than the anal verge. Accordingly, hemorrhoids are classified as internal (above dentate line), external (below dentate line) or mixed types (originating [...]
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