Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Question: An internist performed evaluation and management for a patient and referred him to our gastroenterologist for colorectal cancer screening. He claimed 99214 for the procedure and listed diagnosis 401.1, V45.89 and V76.51. My question is whether or not he can use the diagnosis code V76.51 as he is not performing the colorectal cancer screening. Also, can I use the code G0105 along with the diagnosis code V76.51 for the screening colonoscopy that our gastroenterologist provided? If our gastroenterologist also performed evaluation and management prior to the screening, can I claim the E/M services separately?Alabama SubscriberAnswer: Since the internist performed evaluation and management services, he can claim the appropriate E/M code such as 99214 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient...) for the visit. Since the need for screening is determined by the level of risk and the internist would have established the [...]