General Surgery Coding Alert
Reader Question:
Report 45381 for Colon Tattooing
Published on Tue Apr 27, 2004
Question: How can I code for colonoscopy with tattooing using India ink? Answer: The appropriate code for colonoscopy with tattooing is 45381 (Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; with directed submucosal injection[s], any substance). This code was new to CPT in 2003.
Arkansas Subscriber
During the procedure, the surgeon marks a lesion using India ink for future surgical removal (for instance, if the lesion is too flat for excision using routine snare technique).
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