Created Nov 2010
Reviewed Dec 2019
Query
If a hysteroscopy and colposcopy are performed within the same operative episode what procedure code(s) should be assigned, 35630-00 [1259] Diagnostic hysteroscopy and 35614-00 [1279] Colposcopy or 35630-00 [1259] Diagnostic hysteroscopy only?
Is a colposcopy considered to be an endoscopy? Does ACS 0024 Panendoscopy apply in this case? If two different devices are used to perform each procedure is it a significant factor for code assignment?
Response
A hysteroscopy and colposcopy are both by definition endoscopic (looking inside the body) procedures of the female reproductive system.
ACS 0024 Panendoscopy does apply as it states ‘…non-gastrointestinal endoscopies should be coded appropriately, to the furthest site viewed.’
The fact that two different devices are used to perform each procedure is not a significant factor in determining the code assignment. Therefore as per ACS 0024 Panendoscopy only the hysteroscopy code 35630-00 [1259] Diagnostic hysteroscopy is to be assigned with the free text of ‘colposcopy’ mentioned in the code description.