Wiki Polypectomy with Cauterization of Base

[SUEV]

All I can say is thank goodness for these forums! I've tried to find a definitive answer to this question but have had no luck. If the provider removes a polyp by cold biopsy and then cauterizes the base, would you charge for a cold biopsy removal or an ablation code? In this case it was an EGD so I'm looking at codes 43239 or 43258. I know this scenario also happens during colonoscopies too. Any insight is appreciated

 

[LTibbetts]

I would go with how the polyp was removed (in this case cold biopsy) 43239. It sounds like the cautery was done to stop the bleeding caused by the removal of the poly, which would be incidental to the removal.