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Gastroenterology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Reporting Different Techniques for Polypectomy

Published on Fri Jan 20, 2012

Question: Our gastroenterologist recently performed a colonoscopy. During the procedure, using the snare, he removed two polyps, one in the ascending colon and the other in the descending colon. He also conducted a biopsy of another large mass that was present in the sigmoid colon. How should I report this as two different techniques have been employed?Florida SubscriberAnswer: If multiple polyps are removed by using the same technique, you only code once (with the correct code that is applicable to that particular technique), irrespective of the number of polyps that are removed. But, if the number of polyps are so high that the gastroenterologist used more than double the amount of time that is usually taken for the removal, you will need to add the modifier 22 (Increased procedural services) to the code. Be cautious while using modifier 22. If physician took some amount of time, it doesn't warrant the [...]
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