LCD Reference Article Billing and Coding Article

Billing and Coding: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Colonoscopy

A57342

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Draft Article
Draft Articles are works in progress and not necessarily a reflection of the current billing and coding practices. Revisions to codes are carefully and thoroughly reviewed and are not intended to change the original intent of the LCD.

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General Information

Source Article ID
N/A
Article ID
A57342
Original ICD-9 Article ID
Not Applicable
Article Title
Billing and Coding: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Colonoscopy
Article Type
Billing and Coding
Original Effective Date
10/01/2019
Revision Effective Date
10/01/2024
Revision Ending Date
N/A
Retirement Date
N/A

CPT codes, descriptions, and other data only are copyright 2023 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/HHSARS apply.

Fee schedules, relative value units, conversion factors and/or related components are not assigned by the AMA, are not part of CPT, and the AMA is not recommending their use. The AMA does not directly or indirectly practice medicine or dispense medical services. The AMA assumes no liability for data contained or not contained herein.

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CMS National Coverage Policy

Title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA), §1862(a)(1)(A) states that no Medicare payment shall be made for items or services that “are not reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member.”

Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, §1862(a)(7) and 42 Code of Federal Regulations, §411.15 et seq. exclude routine physical examinations.

Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, §1833(e) prohibits Medicare payment for any claim lacking the necessary documentation to process the claim.

Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, §1862(a)(1)(H) and Balanced Budget Act ‘97’, Chapter V, Subtitle B, §4104 provides coverage for colorectal cancer screening tests.

CMS Manual System, Publication 100-04, Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 12, §30.1B, addresses incomplete colonoscopies.

Article Guidance

Article Text

The following billing and coding guidance is to be used with its associated Local Coverage Determination.

Coding Guidelines

Do not report a colonoscopy procedure code for an endoscopy performed with a sigmoidoscope on a patient with a normal length colon, even if the sigmoidoscope reaches proximal to the splenic flexure. A sigmoidoscope (an endoscope typically 65 centimeters in length) may be used for a colonoscopy only if the bowel is sufficiently short so that the entire colon may be examined, and such should be clearly documented in the clinical record.

Payment for a colonoscopy performed in the office is subject to recovery when colonoscope information is not available to the contractor.

An incomplete colonoscopy is defined by CMS in the IOM at 100-4, Chapter 12, Section 30.1.B; Incomplete Colonoscopies (Codes 44388, 45378, G0105 and G0121).

An incomplete colonoscopy, e.g., the inability to advance the colonoscope to the cecum or colon-small intestine anastomosis due to unforeseen circumstances, is billed and paid using colonoscopy through stoma code 44388, colonoscopy code 45378, and screening colonoscopy codes G0105 and G0121 with modifier “-53.” (Code 44388 is valid with modifier 53 beginning January 1, 2016.) The Medicare physician fee schedule database has specific values for codes 44388-53, 45378-53, G0105-53 and G0121-53. An incomplete colonoscopy performed prior to January 1, 2016, is paid at the same rate as a sigmoidoscopy. Beginning January 1, 2016, Medicare will pay for the interrupted colonoscopy at a rate that is calculated using one-half the value of the inputs for the codes.

When the colonoscopy procedure is unusual or difficult, modifier 22 (unusual procedural services) may be reported.

The most specific ICD-10-CM code must be chosen and billed to its highest level of specificity. Submit this as the line diagnosis (linked to the procedure) on the claim.

Limitations

The requirements for coverage have not been met if:

  • Only a sigmoidoscope is used.
  • An office-based colonoscopy is not validated with the appropriate equipment information.
  • Chronic abdominal pain unresponsive to medical therapy is used to justify the service but lacks appropriate clinical documentation.

Documentation Requirement

Supportive clinical documentation evidencing the condition and treatment is expected to be documented in the clinical notes or procedure note and be made available upon request from the MAC or other authorized CMS auditor.

Medical records need not be submitted with the claim unless modifier 22 is used; however, they must be furnished to Medicare upon request.

The medical records must support the medical reasonableness, necessity, and frequency of each diagnostic service supplied.

The medical record must substantiate the diagnosis listed on the claim form.

The colonoscopy report must describe the following:

  • The maximum depth of penetration;
  • A description of any abnormal findings; and
  • Any procedures performed as the result of such findings (e.g., biopsy).

Response To Comments

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Coding Information

Bill Type Codes

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Revenue Codes

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CPT/HCPCS Codes

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CPT/HCPCS Modifiers

Group 1

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Group 1 Codes

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ICD-10-CM Codes that Support Medical Necessity

Group 1

(269 Codes)
Group 1 Paragraph

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Group 1 Codes
Code Description
A04.3 Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection
A04.5 Campylobacter enteritis
A04.71 Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile, recurrent
A04.72 Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile, not specified as recurrent
A06.0 Acute amebic dysentery
A06.1 Chronic intestinal amebiasis
A06.2 Amebic nondysenteric colitis
A06.9 Amebiasis, unspecified
A18.31 Tuberculous peritonitis
A18.32 Tuberculous enteritis
A41.01 Sepsis due to Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus
A41.02 Sepsis due to Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus
A41.4 Sepsis due to anaerobes
A41.50 Gram-negative sepsis, unspecified
A41.51 Sepsis due to Escherichia coli [E. coli]
A41.52 Sepsis due to Pseudomonas
A41.53 Sepsis due to Serratia
A41.54 Sepsis due to Acinetobacter baumannii
A41.59 Other Gram-negative sepsis
A41.81 Sepsis due to Enterococcus
A41.89 Other specified sepsis
A42.7 Actinomycotic sepsis
C18.0 Malignant neoplasm of cecum
C18.1 Malignant neoplasm of appendix
C18.2 Malignant neoplasm of ascending colon
C18.3 Malignant neoplasm of hepatic flexure
C18.4 Malignant neoplasm of transverse colon
C18.5 Malignant neoplasm of splenic flexure
C18.6 Malignant neoplasm of descending colon
C18.7 Malignant neoplasm of sigmoid colon
C18.8 Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of colon
C19 Malignant neoplasm of rectosigmoid junction
C20 Malignant neoplasm of rectum
C21.0 Malignant neoplasm of anus, unspecified
C21.1 Malignant neoplasm of anal canal
C21.2 Malignant neoplasm of cloacogenic zone
C21.8 Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of rectum, anus and anal canal
C45.1 Mesothelioma of peritoneum
C46.4 Kaposi's sarcoma of gastrointestinal sites
C48.1 Malignant neoplasm of specified parts of peritoneum
C48.2 Malignant neoplasm of peritoneum, unspecified
C48.8 Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of retroperitoneum and peritoneum
C49.4 Malignant neoplasm of connective and soft tissue of abdomen
C49.A4 Gastrointestinal stromal tumor of large intestine
C49.A9 Gastrointestinal stromal tumor of other sites
C7A.020 Malignant carcinoid tumor of the appendix
C7A.021 Malignant carcinoid tumor of the cecum
C7A.022 Malignant carcinoid tumor of the ascending colon
C7A.023 Malignant carcinoid tumor of the transverse colon
C7A.024 Malignant carcinoid tumor of the descending colon
C7A.025 Malignant carcinoid tumor of the sigmoid colon
C7A.026 Malignant carcinoid tumor of the rectum
C7A.029 Malignant carcinoid tumor of the large intestine, unspecified portion
C76.2 Malignant neoplasm of abdomen
C76.3 Malignant neoplasm of pelvis
C78.5 Secondary malignant neoplasm of large intestine and rectum
C78.6 Secondary malignant neoplasm of retroperitoneum and peritoneum
C78.7 Secondary malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile duct
C80.2 Malignant neoplasm associated with transplanted organ
D01.0 Carcinoma in situ of colon
D01.1 Carcinoma in situ of rectosigmoid junction
D01.2 Carcinoma in situ of rectum
D01.3 Carcinoma in situ of anus and anal canal
D12.0 Benign neoplasm of cecum
D12.1 Benign neoplasm of appendix
D12.2 Benign neoplasm of ascending colon
D12.3 Benign neoplasm of transverse colon
D12.4 Benign neoplasm of descending colon
D12.5 Benign neoplasm of sigmoid colon
D12.6 Benign neoplasm of colon, unspecified
D12.7 Benign neoplasm of rectosigmoid junction
D12.8 Benign neoplasm of rectum
D12.9 Benign neoplasm of anus and anal canal
D3A.020 Benign carcinoid tumor of the appendix
D3A.021 Benign carcinoid tumor of the cecum
D3A.022 Benign carcinoid tumor of the ascending colon
D3A.023 Benign carcinoid tumor of the transverse colon
D3A.024 Benign carcinoid tumor of the descending colon
D3A.025 Benign carcinoid tumor of the sigmoid colon
D3A.026 Benign carcinoid tumor of the rectum
D3A.029 Benign carcinoid tumor of the large intestine, unspecified portion
D37.3 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of appendix
D37.4 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of colon
D37.5 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of rectum
D37.8 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of other specified digestive organs
D50.0 Iron deficiency anemia secondary to blood loss (chronic)
D50.9 Iron deficiency anemia, unspecified
E34.00 Carcinoid syndrome, unspecified
E34.01 Carcinoid heart syndrome
E34.09 Other carcinoid syndrome
E44.0 Moderate protein-calorie malnutrition
I33.0 Acute and subacute infective endocarditis
I78.0 Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
K50.00 Crohn's disease of small intestine without complications
K50.011 Crohn's disease of small intestine with rectal bleeding
K50.012 Crohn's disease of small intestine with intestinal obstruction
K50.013 Crohn's disease of small intestine with fistula
K50.014 Crohn's disease of small intestine with abscess
K50.018 Crohn's disease of small intestine with other complication
K50.10 Crohn's disease of large intestine without complications
K50.111 Crohn's disease of large intestine with rectal bleeding
K50.112 Crohn's disease of large intestine with intestinal obstruction
K50.113 Crohn's disease of large intestine with fistula
K50.114 Crohn's disease of large intestine with abscess
K50.118 Crohn's disease of large intestine with other complication
K50.80 Crohn's disease of both small and large intestine without complications
K50.811 Crohn's disease of both small and large intestine with rectal bleeding
K50.812 Crohn's disease of both small and large intestine with intestinal obstruction
K50.813 Crohn's disease of both small and large intestine with fistula
K50.814 Crohn's disease of both small and large intestine with abscess
K50.818 Crohn's disease of both small and large intestine with other complication
K51.00 Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis without complications
K51.011 Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with rectal bleeding
K51.012 Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with intestinal obstruction
K51.013 Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with fistula
K51.014 Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with abscess
K51.018 Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with other complication
K51.20 Ulcerative (chronic) proctitis without complications
K51.211 Ulcerative (chronic) proctitis with rectal bleeding
K51.212 Ulcerative (chronic) proctitis with intestinal obstruction
K51.213 Ulcerative (chronic) proctitis with fistula
K51.214 Ulcerative (chronic) proctitis with abscess
K51.218 Ulcerative (chronic) proctitis with other complication
K51.30 Ulcerative (chronic) rectosigmoiditis without complications
K51.311 Ulcerative (chronic) rectosigmoiditis with rectal bleeding
K51.312 Ulcerative (chronic) rectosigmoiditis with intestinal obstruction
K51.313 Ulcerative (chronic) rectosigmoiditis with fistula
K51.314 Ulcerative (chronic) rectosigmoiditis with abscess
K51.318 Ulcerative (chronic) rectosigmoiditis with other complication
K51.40 Inflammatory polyps of colon without complications
K51.411 Inflammatory polyps of colon with rectal bleeding
K51.412 Inflammatory polyps of colon with intestinal obstruction
K51.413 Inflammatory polyps of colon with fistula
K51.414 Inflammatory polyps of colon with abscess
K51.418 Inflammatory polyps of colon with other complication
K51.50 Left sided colitis without complications
K51.511 Left sided colitis with rectal bleeding
K51.512 Left sided colitis with intestinal obstruction
K51.513 Left sided colitis with fistula
K51.514 Left sided colitis with abscess
K51.518 Left sided colitis with other complication
K51.80 Other ulcerative colitis without complications
K51.811 Other ulcerative colitis with rectal bleeding
K51.812 Other ulcerative colitis with intestinal obstruction
K51.813 Other ulcerative colitis with fistula
K51.814 Other ulcerative colitis with abscess
K51.818 Other ulcerative colitis with other complication
K52.0 Gastroenteritis and colitis due to radiation
K52.1 Toxic gastroenteritis and colitis
K52.21 Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome
K52.22 Food protein-induced enteropathy
K52.29 Other allergic and dietetic gastroenteritis and colitis
K52.3 Indeterminate colitis
K52.81 Eosinophilic gastritis or gastroenteritis
K52.82 Eosinophilic colitis
K52.831 Collagenous colitis
K52.832 Lymphocytic colitis
K52.838 Other microscopic colitis
K52.89 Other specified noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis
K55.031 Focal (segmental) acute (reversible) ischemia of large intestine
K55.032 Diffuse acute (reversible) ischemia of large intestine
K55.039 Acute (reversible) ischemia of large intestine, extent unspecified
K55.041 Focal (segmental) acute infarction of large intestine
K55.1 Chronic vascular disorders of intestine
K55.20 Angiodysplasia of colon without hemorrhage
K55.21 Angiodysplasia of colon with hemorrhage
K55.8 Other vascular disorders of intestine
K56.0 Paralytic ileus
K56.1 Intussusception
K56.2 Volvulus
K56.3 Gallstone ileus
K56.41 Fecal impaction
K56.49 Other impaction of intestine
K56.50 Intestinal adhesions [bands], unspecified as to partial versus complete obstruction
K56.51 Intestinal adhesions [bands], with partial obstruction
K56.52 Intestinal adhesions [bands] with complete obstruction
K56.690 Other partial intestinal obstruction
K56.691 Other complete intestinal obstruction
K56.699 Other intestinal obstruction unspecified as to partial versus complete obstruction
K57.20 Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation and abscess without bleeding
K57.21 Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation and abscess with bleeding
K57.30 Diverticulosis of large intestine without perforation or abscess without bleeding
K57.31 Diverticulosis of large intestine without perforation or abscess with bleeding
K57.32 Diverticulitis of large intestine without perforation or abscess without bleeding
K57.33 Diverticulitis of large intestine without perforation or abscess with bleeding
K57.40 Diverticulitis of both small and large intestine with perforation and abscess without bleeding
K57.41 Diverticulitis of both small and large intestine with perforation and abscess with bleeding
K57.50 Diverticulosis of both small and large intestine without perforation or abscess without bleeding
K57.51 Diverticulosis of both small and large intestine without perforation or abscess with bleeding
K57.52 Diverticulitis of both small and large intestine without perforation or abscess without bleeding
K57.53 Diverticulitis of both small and large intestine without perforation or abscess with bleeding
K59.1 Functional diarrhea
K59.2 Neurogenic bowel, not elsewhere classified
K59.81 Ogilvie syndrome
K59.89 Other specified functional intestinal disorders
K62.0 Anal polyp
K62.1 Rectal polyp
K62.2 Anal prolapse
K62.3 Rectal prolapse
K62.4 Stenosis of anus and rectum
K62.5 Hemorrhage of anus and rectum
K62.6 Ulcer of anus and rectum
K62.7 Radiation proctitis
K62.81 Anal sphincter tear (healed) (nontraumatic) (old)
K62.89 Other specified diseases of anus and rectum
K63.1 Perforation of intestine (nontraumatic)
K63.2 Fistula of intestine
K63.3 Ulcer of intestine
K63.4 Enteroptosis
K63.5 Polyp of colon
K63.81 Dieulafoy lesion of intestine
K63.89 Other specified diseases of intestine
K64.0 First degree hemorrhoids
K64.1 Second degree hemorrhoids
K64.2 Third degree hemorrhoids
K64.3 Fourth degree hemorrhoids
K64.4 Residual hemorrhoidal skin tags
K64.5 Perianal venous thrombosis
K64.8 Other hemorrhoids
K64.9 Unspecified hemorrhoids
K90.1 Tropical sprue
K91.89 Other postprocedural complications and disorders of digestive system
K92.1 Melena
K92.2 Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, unspecified
K92.89 Other specified diseases of the digestive system
L83 Acanthosis nigricans
Q42.8 Congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of other parts of large intestine
Q85.81 PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome
Q85.82 Other Cowden syndrome
Q85.83 Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome
Q85.89 Other phakomatoses, not elsewhere classified
R10.0 Acute abdomen
R10.11 Right upper quadrant pain
R10.12 Left upper quadrant pain
R10.13 Epigastric pain
R10.2 Pelvic and perineal pain
R10.31 Right lower quadrant pain
R10.32 Left lower quadrant pain
R10.33 Periumbilical pain
R10.84 Generalized abdominal pain
R11.13 Vomiting of fecal matter
R19.4 Change in bowel habit
R19.5 Other fecal abnormalities
R19.7 Diarrhea, unspecified
R19.8 Other specified symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen
R71.0 Precipitous drop in hematocrit
R93.3 Abnormal findings on diagnostic imaging of other parts of digestive tract
T18.3XXA Foreign body in small intestine, initial encounter
T18.3XXD Foreign body in small intestine, subsequent encounter
T18.3XXS Foreign body in small intestine, sequela
T18.4XXA Foreign body in colon, initial encounter
T18.4XXD Foreign body in colon, subsequent encounter
T18.4XXS Foreign body in colon, sequela
Z85.020 Personal history of malignant carcinoid tumor of stomach
Z85.030 Personal history of malignant carcinoid tumor of large intestine
Z85.038 Personal history of other malignant neoplasm of large intestine
Z85.040 Personal history of malignant carcinoid tumor of rectum
Z85.048 Personal history of other malignant neoplasm of rectum, rectosigmoid junction, and anus
Z85.05 Personal history of malignant neoplasm of liver
Z85.060 Personal history of malignant carcinoid tumor of small intestine
Z85.110 Personal history of malignant carcinoid tumor of bronchus and lung
Z85.230 Personal history of malignant carcinoid tumor of thymus
Z85.520 Personal history of malignant carcinoid tumor of kidney
Z85.821 Personal history of Merkel cell carcinoma
Z86.004 Personal history of in-situ neoplasm of other and unspecified digestive organs
Z86.0101 Personal history of adenomatous and serrated colon polyps
Z86.0102 Personal history of hyperplastic colon polyps
Z86.0109 Personal history of other colon polyps
Z87.19 Personal history of other diseases of the digestive system
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ICD-10-CM Codes that DO NOT Support Medical Necessity

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ICD-10-PCS Codes

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Additional ICD-10 Information

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Bill Type Codes

Contractors may specify Bill Types to help providers identify those Bill Types typically used to report this service. Absence of a Bill Type does not guarantee that the article does not apply to that Bill Type. Complete absence of all Bill Types indicates that coverage is not influenced by Bill Type and the article should be assumed to apply equally to all claims.

Code Description

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Revenue Codes

Contractors may specify Revenue Codes to help providers identify those Revenue Codes typically used to report this service. In most instances Revenue Codes are purely advisory. Unless specified in the article, services reported under other Revenue Codes are equally subject to this coverage determination. Complete absence of all Revenue Codes indicates that coverage is not influenced by Revenue Code and the article should be assumed to apply equally to all Revenue Codes.

Code Description

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Other Coding Information

Group 1

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Group 1 Codes

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Coding Table Information

Excluded CPT/HCPCS Codes - Table Format
Code Descriptor Generic Name Descriptor Brand Name Exclusion Effective Date Exclusion End Date Reason for Exclusion
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Non-Excluded CPT/HCPCS Ended Codes - Table Format
Code Descriptor Generic Name Descriptor Brand Name Exclusion Effective Date Exclusion End Date Reason for Exclusion
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Revision History Information

Revision History Date Revision History Number Revision History Explanation
10/01/2024 R5

Revisions Effective Date 10/01/2024

Under ICD-10-CM Codes that Support Medical Necessity Group 1:

Deleted: E34.0, Z86.010

The following codes were added: E34.00, E34.01, E34.09, Z86.0101, Z86.0102, Z86.0109

Under CPT/HCPCS Codes Group 1:

Added CPT code 45390

9/12/2024 - At this time 21st Century Cures Act applies to new and revised LCDs which require comment and notice. This revision is to an article that is not a local coverage determination.

10/01/2023 R4

Updated to indicate this article is an LCD reference article. 

10/01/2023 R3

Annual ICD-10 Update effective 10/1/2023,

ICD-10 code A41.54 is being added to Group 1

The following code had a description change: Q85.81

10/01/2022 R2

Effective 10/1/2022, Annual ICD-10 update to add to group 1

Q85.81, Q85.82, Q85.83, Q85.89

 

Deleted from group 1

Q85.8

10/01/2020 R1

Effective 10/1/2020, Annual ICD-10 Update, to add to Group 1

K59.81 - Ogilvie Syndrome and

K59.89 - Other specified functional intestinal disorders

K59.8 was deleted from Group 1

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Associated Documents

Medicare BPM Ch 15.50.2 SAD Determinations
Medicare BPM Ch 15.50.2
Related National Coverage Documents
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SAD Process URL 2
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Keywords

  • Diagnostic
  • Therapeutic
  • Colonoscopy