Wiki Screening to Diagnostic Colonoscopy

[leighannb]

If a patient presents for a screening colonoscopy, and in the process mucosa is found that must be biopsied, and the biopsies are performed, how does one do the diagnostic coding? The patient is not a Medicare patient. I would appreciate any supporting documention.
Thank you so much.

 

[kbarron]

I would wait for the path report and code it from there. I don't know of a link to prove this to you.

 

[shelliet]

I would definately wait for the path. You will not be able to code it correctly until you have that final piece.

 

[leighannb]

So, the diagnositic ICD9 code would be used rather than the screening, correct? thanks

 

[shelliet]

Correct