Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Learn whether to file an ABN with 0066T, 0067T. CMS is set to decide in February whether it will grant national coverage for virtual colonoscopies to screen for colon cancer. But when your gastroenterologist uses the latest technology for diagnostic work -- under the right circumstances -- you can bill right now for computed tomography colonography. When All Else Fails Some Medicare carriers, such as Palmetto GBA, accept category III (temporary) codes 0066T (Computed tomographic [CT] colonography [i.e., virtual colonoscopy]; screening) or 0067T (... diagnostic), as appropriate, for so-called "virtual" colonoscopy, also known as CT colonography (CTC). Even then, you'll have to document a failed "instrument colonoscopy" to expect reimbursement for virtual colonoscopy claims. "CT colonography is only indicated in those patients in whom an instrument colonoscopy of the entire colon is incomplete despite adequate patient preparation, this episode or in past episode(s)," says Palmetto's policy, or "a history of adverse event [...]