Wiki Coding 45383 vs 45385 on same polyp

[lhopman]

I have always coded 45383 rather than 45385 if I had a polyp that was snared and then the edges were ablated. I recently read a pulblication that says that there should not be samples taken to pathology if you are coding 45383. Does any one know If I am coding correctly or not??

 

[Lisa Bledsoe]

I would like to know that as well. I have always coded one procedure for the same polyp.

 

[coachlang3]

I'm just adding a thought on this one I don't have any facts or actual evidence to give.


Ablation means destruction, so you wouldn't be able to take a biopsy would you? However, if the doctor snared the the polyp there would be a biopsy. So for this instance, I would use the 45385 and maybe use a 22 modifier for the extra work performed.