What is the CPT code for a screening colonoscopy?

Asked by: Dr. Christ Champlin I  |  Last update: May 17, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (6 votes)

What's the right code to use for screening colonoscopy? For commercial and Medicaid patients, use CPT code 45378 (Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, with or without colon decompression [separate procedure]).

What is the ICD-10 code for colonoscopy screening?

ICD-10 code Z12. 11 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Factors influencing health status and contact with health services .

Is CPT 45380 a screening colonoscopy?

Depending on the procedure performed and the patient's insurance coverage, one of the following cpt codes may be used: 45378 or 45380. These codes specifically apply to screening colonoscopies and ensure that the procedure is properly categorized and billed.

What is CPT code 88305 for colonoscopy?

DEFINITIONS: CPT Code 88305: Level IV-Surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination. These examinations would be ordered as a gross and microscopic pathology exam or a gross and microscopic tissue exam.

What is the difference between CPT code 00811 and 00812?

The codes for GI: 00731 (Anesthesia for Upper GI); 00732 (Anesthesia for ERCP); 00811 (lower GI endoscopy); 00812 (screening colonoscopy) (Report 00812 to describe anesthesia for any screening colonoscopy regardless of ultimate findings); 00813 (Anesthesia for combined upper and lower GI endoscopies).

Coding for Screening Colonoscopies — CPT Coding Guidelines

23 related questions found

What is the CPT code for a colonoscopy?

For commercial and Medicaid patients, use CPT code 45378 (Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, with or without colon decompression [separate procedure]).

What is CPT code 00811?

When a screening colonoscopy becomes a diagnostic colonoscopy, anesthesia services are reported with CPT code 00811 (Anesthesia for lower intestinal endoscopic procedures, endoscopy introduced distal to duodenum; not otherwise specified) and with the PT modifier.

When does a screening colonoscopy become diagnostic?

A colonoscopy is considered diagnostic when you've had: Signs or symptoms in the lower gastrointestinal tract noted in your medical record before the procedure, including: Abdominal pain that doesn't improve. Anemia.

What diagnosis is covered by CPT 88305?

Procedure code 88305 (Level IV - Surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination) includes different types of biopsies. Diagnosis of malignancies and inflammatory conditions frequently requires numerous biopsies of a particular organ or suspicious site.

Do you use Z12-11 on surveillance colonoscopy?

If a patient has had previous removal of colon polyps a few years ago and is now presenting for surveillance colonoscopy to look for any additional polyps or recurrence of the polyp this is coded with Z12. 11, Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon as the first listed code.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and a screening colonoscopy?

While screening colonoscopies are key to catching problems in their earliest stages before symptoms arise, a diagnostic colonoscopy is necessary when symptoms are already present. Screening or diagnostic approaches are even more important if you have a personal risk of colorectal cancer or certain medical conditions.

Are screening colonoscopies covered?

Under the Affordable Care Act, you can get certain preventive health care tests done for free. Colonoscopy is one of these tests. It is often free, but there are some cases in which patients must pay part of the cost.

How is anesthesia billed for screening colonoscopy?

CPT Guidelines: For CPT code 00812, which denotes anesthesia for lower intestinal endoscopic procedures where the endoscope is introduced distal to the duodenum for screening colonoscopies, the directive is to utilize this code for all screening colonoscopies, irrespective of the findings during the procedure.

Is a surveillance colonoscopy the same as a screening colonoscopy?

Diagnostic colonoscopies, also referred to as follow-up or surveillance colonoscopies, are different from screening colonoscopies since such procedures are provided when there is a greater probability of cancer development or if there is evidence that colorectal cancer might be present.

Why isn't a diagnostic colonoscopy covered by insurance?

Soon after the ACA became law, some insurance companies considered a colonoscopy to no longer be just a “screening” test if a polyp was removed during the procedure. It would then be a “diagnostic” test, and would therefore be subject to co-pays and deductibles.

What is an encounter for screening?

Encounter for screening for other diseases and disorders Z13- Applicable To. Screening is the testing for disease or disease precursors in asymptomatic individuals so that early detection and treatment can be provided for those who test positive for the disease.

What is CPT code 45380?

CPT code 45380 is a medical billing code for a colonoscopy procedure that includes taking a biopsy for further examination.

What is CPT code 883051?

Definitions: a. Standard biopsies - any biopsy (e.g. CPT 883051) received on a patient in which special handling is not required.

What is the difference between 88305 and 88304?

Skin, Specimen Type

Skin excisions and biopsies are generally coded as 88305, but cysts, tags, and debridement specimens are coded as 88304.

What CPT code is used for screening colonoscopy?

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 ...

What is the ICD 10 code for screening colonoscopy?

Z12. 11 (encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon)

What are the guidelines for colonoscopy screening?

Screening recommendations

The US Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force) recommends that adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. The decision to be screened between ages 76 and 85 should be made on an individual basis. If you are older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening.

What is CPT code 88305?

CPT Code 88305 is used for gross and microscopic examination in diagnostic pathology and tissue examination during laboratory testing. Accurate understanding and utilization of CPT Code 88305 is important for proper pathology billing and reimbursement.

What is CPT code 00840?

CPT® Code 00840 - Anesthesia for Procedures on the Lower Abdomen - Codify by AAPC.

What is procedure code 80306?

Presumptive tests: CPT codes 80305–80306 are tests that detect the presence of any number of drug classes, utilizing any number of devices or procedures, per date of service.