What procedure code is 45378?

What’s the right code to use for screening colonoscopy? For commercial and Medicaid patients, use CPT code 45378 (Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, with or without colon decompression [separate procedure]).

Does 45378 need a modifier?

CPT code 45378 is the base code for a colonoscopy without biopsy or other interventions. It includes brushings or washings, if performed. If the procedure is a screening exam, modifier 33 (preventative service) is appended.

Does Medicare pay for diagnostic colonoscopy?

Colonoscopies. Medicare covers screening colonoscopies once every 24 months if you’re at high risk for colorectal cancer. If you aren’t at high risk, Medicare covers the test once every 120 months, or 48 months after a previous flexible sigmoidoscopy.

What is the difference between a screening colonoscopy and a diagnostic colonoscopy?

A screening colonoscopy will have no out-of-pocket costs for patients (such as co-pays or deductibles). A “diagnostic” colonoscopy is a colonoscopy that is done to investigate abnormal symptoms, tests, prior conditions or family history.

What is the difference between a screening colonoscopy and a surveillance colonoscopy?

Medicare and most insurance carriers will pay for screening colonoscopies once every 10 years. Surveillance colonoscopies are performed on patients who have a prior personal history of colon polyps or colon cancer. Medicare will pay for these exams once every 24 months.

What is the diagnosis code for preventive colonoscopy?

Common diagnosis codes for colorectal cancer screening include: Z12. 11 (encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon) Z80….

HCPCS and CPT® screening colonoscopy codes
HCPCS/CPT® code Description
G0105 Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual at high risk

What is the diagnosis code for screening colonoscopy?

In this case, since the word SURVEILLANCE colonoscopy is documented, I would recommend coding this as a screening (Z12. 11), followed by any findings, as well as the personal history of colonic polyps (Z86. 010) – sequenced in that order.

How do you bill a surveillance colonoscopy?

To report screening colonoscopy on a patient not considered high risk for colorectal cancer, use HCPCS code G0121 and diagnosis code Z12. 11 (encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of the colon).

Why is a colonoscopy considered a diagnostic procedure?

Diagnostic colonoscopies are used when a patient exhibits specific symptoms that may indicate colon cancer or other issues. This procedure helps the physician further diagnose the patient’s condition. Diagnostic colonoscopies may also involve biopsies, lesion removals, and the like.

Does Medicare pay for a colonoscopy after age 70?

Screening guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend screening for colon cancer with any method, including colonoscopy, from age 50 to 75. Medicare reimburses colonoscopy, regardless of age.