January 2017 page 6b
Surgery: Digestive System
Question: What is the appropriate CPT code to report a colonoscopy during which two flat polyps in the transverse colon were removed via a saline injection-lift technique using a hot snare? Is a colonoscopy with a polypectomy removed by injection of epinephrine for a lift polypectomy reported differently?
Answer: Submucosal injection of substances, whether saline or epinephrine, to lift the polyp and facilitate a polypectomy, is reported with code 45381, Colonoscopy, flexible; with directed submucosal injection(s), any substance. The polypectomy would be reported with code 45385, Colonoscopy, flexible; with removal of tumor(s)...
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