tci Outpatient Facility Coding Alert - 2018 Issue 6

Reader Question: Check with Payer for Polypectomy Via Cold Forceps Approach

Question: How do I code a biopsy and removal of a colon polyp using a cold forceps technique? I see code options for hot biopsy forceps and snare techniques, but nothing referencing cold forceps. Illinois Subscriber Answer: Typically, the physician will only use a cold forceps technique to remove a portion of the tissue to have sent for biopsy. You may want to reevaluate the operative report to confirm that the provider is removing the entire polyp, rather than a portion for biopsy. The general consensus among most coders is that when the provider uses a technique other than...

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