Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Question: A local family physician refers a patient to our gastroenterologist for a diagnostic colonoscopy. The patient reports to the practice and meets the gastroenterologist for the first time. After answering some patient questions during a brief introduction, the gastroenterologist performs a diagnostic colonoscopy with brushing. The patient had never met the gastroenterologist before. Is the time he spent with the patient pre-screening a separate E/M? Idaho Subscriber Answer: Do not report a separate E/M for this encounter. On the claim, report 45378 (Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen[s] by brushing or washing, with or without colon decompression [separate procedure]) for the service. Explanation: When a patient reports to the gastroenterologist for a scheduled procedure, the pre-service time is almost always included in the procedure code. It does not matter if the patient has been to your practice before. There are exceptions to [...]