Wiki Screening vs Elective Colonoscopy

[coderguy1939]

If the doctor indicates that the patient is coming in for an elective colonoscopy and there are no pre-operative symtoms can V76.51 be used?

 

[mbort]

yes as well as any findings (if any) during the course of the procedure.

 

[coderguy1939]

So elective can be interpreted as a screening colonoscopy without the words screening colonoscopy appearing on the op report?

 

[Lisa Bledsoe]

Is there a reason for the "elective" colonoscopy?

 

[coderguy1939]

In the scenario I'm presenting, no indications for the elective colonoscopy is given. The doctor is not giving preoperative symptoms or stating screening colonoscopy, just elective colonoscopy.

 

[Lisa Bledsoe]

If there is nothing in the medical record to indicate otherwise, and there are no specific findings, screening seems appropriate.

 

[coderguy1939]

Thanks for your response.

 

[01069352]

V76.51

I believe there is a coding clinic on this. V76.51 is the first listed/principal diagnosis when a patient presents for a screening colonoscopy (elective) and the patient does not have any symptoms (or no mention of a prior colonoscopy, hence follow up).

Findings (polyps, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids) are listed as secondary only.

Maria