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Official Description

Colonoscopy through stoma; with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) by snare technique

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A colonoscopy through stoma is a specialized procedure that involves the examination of the colon via an existing stoma, such as a colostomy. During this procedure, an endoscope is inserted through the stoma to visualize the mucosal surfaces of the colon, extending from the stoma to the cecum or a small intestine anastomosis. The primary objective is to inspect for any abnormalities, including tumors, polyps, or other lesions. As the endoscope is withdrawn, the entire circumference of the colon is thoroughly examined to identify any pathological findings. If any lesions are detected, they can be removed using a snare technique. This technique involves placing a wire snare loop around the lesion, which is then heated to excise and cauterize the tissue. The lesion may be removed in one piece (en bloc) or in smaller fragments (piecemeal), depending on its size and characteristics. This procedure is crucial for managing colorectal conditions and ensuring the health of patients with stomas.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The colonoscopy through stoma is indicated for various conditions and symptoms that necessitate direct visualization and intervention within the colon. The following are explicitly provided indications for this procedure:

  • Detection of Tumors This procedure is performed to identify and assess the presence of tumors within the colon that may require removal or further evaluation.
  • Removal of Polyps It is indicated for the excision of polyps, which are abnormal growths that can potentially develop into colorectal cancer if left untreated.
  • Management of Lesions The procedure is also indicated for the removal of other lesions that may be present in the colon, which could include abnormal tissue growths or areas of concern that require further investigation.

2. Procedure

The colonoscopy through stoma involves several key procedural steps that ensure effective examination and treatment of the colon. The following steps outline the process:

  • Step 1: Preparation Prior to the procedure, the patient is prepared, which may include fasting and bowel cleansing to ensure clear visibility during the examination.
  • Step 2: Introduction of the Endoscope The endoscope is carefully introduced through the colostomy opening, allowing the physician to access the colon directly. This step is crucial for visualizing the mucosal surfaces.
  • Step 3: Inspection of the Colon The physician inspects the colon from the stoma to the cecum or small intestine anastomosis, noting any abnormalities such as tumors, polyps, or lesions. This thorough examination is essential for accurate diagnosis.
  • Step 4: Identification of Lesions Any identified tumors, polyps, or lesions are documented, and their characteristics are assessed to determine the appropriate method of removal.
  • Step 5: Removal of Lesions A wire snare loop is placed around the lesion. The loop is then heated to excise the lesion, which may be done en bloc or in a piecemeal fashion, depending on the size and nature of the lesion.
  • Step 6: Withdrawal of the Endoscope After the lesions have been removed, the endoscope is withdrawn, completing the procedure. The physician may take additional steps to ensure that the site of removal is cauterized to prevent bleeding.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the colonoscopy through stoma, patients may experience some discomfort or cramping, which is typically mild and resolves quickly. It is important for patients to be monitored for any signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding or infection at the stoma site. Patients are usually advised to follow specific post-procedure care instructions, which may include dietary modifications and activity restrictions. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results of the procedure and any further treatment options if necessary.

Short Descr COLONOSCOPY W/SNARE
Medium Descr COLONOSCOPY STOMA W/RMVL TUM POLYP/OTH LES SNARE
Long Descr Colonoscopy through stoma; with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) by snare technique
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 3 - Special payment adjustment rules for multiple endoscopic procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Endoscopic Base Code 44388  Colonoscopy through stoma; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed (separate procedure)
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P8D - Endoscopy - colonoscopy
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 76 - Colonoscopy and biopsy
PT Colorectal cancer screening test; converted to diagnostic test or other procedure
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
1994-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1994.
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