Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Choose the right code by pinning down the removal method. If you don't correctly code your gastroenterologist's polyp-removals methods, you could be risking denials on your claims. But how do you choose between the codes? Look to the polyp removal technique for the answer. Here's how. Use 45385 for Total Polypectomies Gastroenterologists usually perform a total or entire polypectomy with an electrocautery snare -- a heated wire loop that shaves off the polyp. When the physician uses the snare technique during a total polypectomy, you should report 45385 (Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; with removal of tumor[s], polyp[s], or other lesion[s] by snare technique). For Polyp Ablation, Use 45383 Ablation usually refers to the cauterization of a polyp during a colonoscopy when the polyp cannot be removed by other techniques or during follow-up colonoscopy when your gastroenterologist discovers remnants of previously removed polyps. The physician uses an argon plasma coagulator, [...]