Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Look at dysplastic changes to guide your code choice.Barrett's esophagus is a common condition for patients with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), so you'll need to equip yourself with specifics on how to report this condition -- such as looking for dysplastic changes -- when ICD-10 codes come into force. Barrett's incidence and risks: "There is presently a debate about the association of GERD and the risk of subsequently developing Barrett's and then the risk of Barrett's developing into a cancer at the gastroesophageal junction," says Michael Weinstein, MD, Gastroenterologist at Capital Digestive Care in Washington, D.C., and former representative of the AMA's CPT® Advisory Panel. Your gastroenterologist might prefer to undertake screening of chronic heartburn patients to check if they have developed changes seen in Barrett's esophagus.Under ICD-9, Barrett's esophagus is classified under the diseases of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (530-539). As of now, you will report a diagnosis of Barrett's [...]