Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Draw coding conclusions after checking for exact physician statements. If a coder reports an external hemorrhoidectomy code when an internal removal code was more appropriate, the claim would be inaccurate -- and it could end up costing the practice up to $100 on some hemorrhoidectomy patients. Avoid insult and (financial) injury with this FAQ, which will steer you toward the proper hemorrhoidectomy code each time. Are There Different Types of Hemorrhoids? For your coding purposes, you'll need to know the difference between internal and external hemorrhoids. "External hemorrhoids occur outside the 'anal verge,' which is at the distal end of the anal canal," explains Marcella Bucknam, CPC, CCS-P, CPC-H, CCS, CPC-P, COBGC, CCC, manager of compliance education for the University of Washington Physicians and Children's University Medical Group Compliance Program. Conversely, "internal hemorrhoids are proximal to the anal verge and can be much more difficult to diagnose and treat," she continues.Vital [...]