Question

Endoscopy procedures are commonly performed by Gastroenterologists. GI endoscopy is performed in order to diagnose and treat various patient disorders of the GI tract. It is very interesting to note as a Medical Coder that these procedures are not restricted to only the Digestive System! You will learn in future readings that this is a common procedure through several body systems and for important reasons.

Investigate customary types of endoscopy procedures performed.

Include the following aspects in the discussion:

• Identify one example of an endoscopy procedure performed
• Explain what type of symptoms a patient would experience in order to receive this procedure
• Provide the CPT code example that would apply to the notes or guidelines you selected
• Discuss the process for querying a physician further information was needed to accurately code this patient procedure

Answer 1

Endoscopy is an essential procedure that helps to diagnose the disorder of the various systems that includes digestive system, respiratory system, ear,urinary tract and abdominal and pelvic cavity.

The various types of endoscopic procedures includes:

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy - visualizing esophagus,stomach and duodenum using a flexible endoscopes. Colonoscopy - examining ascending descending,transverse colon,rectum the flexible thin tube is inserted through the rectum. Sigmoidoscopy- it is to examine the rectum and the sigmoid colon. Enteroscopy -visualizing small bowel to detect any polyps to tumors.

Types of symptoms to receive endoscopy procedure includes: dyspepsia (indigestion), dysphagia (swallowing difficulty), odynophagia (painful swallowing), any hemoptysis or hematemesis, persistent vomiting,peptic ulcer disease.

Current procedural terminology codes for endoscopic procedures ranging from 43191-43232. As per guidelines endoscopic procedure include the control of bleeding too.Diagnostic and screening colonoscopy must be differentiated by the coder. If the provider removes polyps during screening endoscopy it should be reported by modifier. Location of the polyps or tumors should be reported additionally.