tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2016 Issue 5

You Be the Coder: Do This for Colonoscopy + Flex Sigmoidoscopy

Question: Our surgeon treated a patient with a temporary colostomy due to diverticulitis. The surgeon performed a colonoscopy through stoma to examine the colon above the colostomy opening, and a flexible sigmoidoscopy to examine the distal colon from the anus up to the diversion during the same visit. Can I report both procedures? Colorado Subscriber Answer: Yes, you can. You should report the colonoscopy using 44388 (Colonoscopy through stoma; diagnostic, including collection of specimen[s] by brushing or washing, when performed [separate procedure]) and the flex sigmoidoscopy as 45330 (Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; diagnostic, including collection of specimen[s] by brushing or washing...

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