
Z12, 11, or R19 are all possible combinations. Similarly, you could wonder what the ICD 10 code is for a positive cologuard result. For reimbursement reasons, R19. 5 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that may be used to identify a diagnosis for which payment is to be made.
What does a positive result mean in a ColoGuard test?
If the Cologuard test is positive, it may mean that colon cancer or polyps are present. After a positive Cologuard test a colonoscopy is required for a definitive answer. The Cologuard test has a 13% false-positive rate, which means 1 in 10 positive tests will incorrectly identify cancer or polyps. Can Cologuard detect cancer? Yes, the Cologuard test can detect cancer 92% of the time.
How accurate is ColoGuard test?
How accurate is Cologuard? It was 92 percent effective in detecting colorectal cancer, 69 percent effective in detecting polyps with high-grade dysplasia and 42 percent effective in detecting advanced precancerous lesions in a study of 10,000 patients published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2014.
Who should not use Cologuard?
People with a personal or family history of colon cancer or colon polyps or who have inflammatory bowel disease should get a colonoscopy instead of using a Cologuard test. A colonoscopy is also recommended when someone has signs and symptoms of colon cancer.
Is Cologuard as effective as a colonoscopy?
Cologuard can only detect 42% of large polyps, while a colonoscopy can detect 95% of large polyps. When polyps are detected during a colonoscopy they are removed at the same time. If polyps are detected with Cologuard, a colonoscopy must be performed to remove them. The majority of large precancerous polyps cannot be detected with Cologuard.

What does it mean when cologuard is positive?
Abnormal result (positive result) suggests that the test found some pre-cancer or cancer cells in your stool sample. However, the Cologuard test does not diagnose cancer. You will need further tests to make a diagnosis of cancer. Your provider will likely suggest a colonoscopy.
What is the code for cologuard?
Effective July 1, 2018, Cologuard (CPT code 81528) has been approved for colorectal cancer screening (CRC). Developed by Exact Sciences, Cologuard is a non-invasive screening that is delivered to the home. The screening can detect colorectal neoplasms associated with DNA markers and the presence of occult blood.
Is positive cologuard a screening colonoscopy?
A positive Cologuard test, whether accurate or not, typically changes the patient's insurance coverage when it comes to getting a subsequent colonoscopy done. Once a patient has a positive Cologuard test, their colonoscopy is no longer considered a routine screening exam.
When a patient is referred for a colonoscopy following a positive cologuard test how should the colonoscopy be coded in CPT?
When a patient is referred for a colonoscopy due to a positive Cologuard® test, the principal diagnosis will be selected and assigned based on the results of the diagnostic colonoscopy. If the colonoscopy demonstrates no abnormal findings, assign the code: R19. 5 Other fecal abnormalities.
What does code Z12 11 mean?
A screening colonoscopy should be reported with the following International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD-10) codes: Z12. 11: Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of the colon.
Is Z12 11 a preventive code?
The colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is still classified as a preventive service eligible for coverage at the no-member-cost-share benefit level. a. Submit the claim with Z12. 11 (Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon) as the first-listed diagnosis code; this is the reason for the service or encounter.
Will Medicare pay for a colonoscopy after a positive cologuard?
A stool DNA test (Cologuard) will be covered by Medicare every three years for people 50 to 85 years of age who do not have symptoms of colorectal cancer and who do not have an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
What causes cologuard false positive?
A false-positive test is when the result says you may have large polyps or cancer when you really don't. The only way to know for sure if the result is real (meaning you have a polyp or cancer that needs treatment) is to get a colonoscopy. Nearly 66% of positive Cologuard tests are false positives.
How worried should I be about a positive cologuard test?
If the Cologuard test is positive, it may mean that colon cancer or polyps are present. After a positive Cologuard test a colonoscopy is required for a definitive answer. The Cologuard test has a 13% false-positive rate, which means 1 in 10 positive tests will incorrectly identify cancer or polyps.
Can bleeding hemorrhoids cause a positive cologuard test?
False positive results are common with non-colonoscopy screening tests. If you have another condition that could cause blood to show up in your stool, such as hemorrhoids, you could receive a false positive result on your Cologuard test.
What is diagnosis code Z86 010?
Personal history of colonic polyps“Code Z86. 010, Personal history of colonic polyps, should be assigned when 'history of colon polyps' is documented by the provider.
What do you do after a positive fit test?
People with a positive FIT test result are advised to have a colonoscopy to investigate the cause of the bleeding because a FIT test alone cannot diagnose cancer.
Is the Cologuard test covered by insurance?
Cologuard is covered by Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid as well as many private insurance plans with no out-of-pocket costs. It is important to understand your insurance coverage if you begin with an at-home test and have a positive result.
Is Cologuard covered by Medicare?
Cologuard is covered by Medicare and Medicare Advantage with no co-pay or deductible for eligible patients ages 50-85.
How do I bill CPT 82270?
Frequency Limitations: Screening fecal occult blood tests are covered at a frequency of once every 12 months for beneficiaries who have attained age 50. A written order from the beneficiary's attending physician is required.
Will Medicare pay for colonoscopy after Cologuard?
A stool DNA test (Cologuard) will be covered by Medicare every three years for people 50 to 85 years of age who do not have symptoms of colorectal cancer and who do not have an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Can a PCP explain +cologuard?
The PCP may or may not explain this to the patient, so it's best that when a patient contacts your office with a +cologuard result, you have a policy in place that explains to them they are now a symptomatic patient and copays/deductibles/coinsurance will apply if required by their insurance policy.
Does UHC recognize polyps?
Some insurance plans (UHC, specifically) do not recognize screening or high risk screening IF a polyp was removed. Now, add this cologuard test into the mix and I'm feeling like I will really be at odds with my patients and doctors, since they have made the decision for a screening test. Will my office have to "warn every patient ...
When will the ICD-10 Z12.11 be released?
The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM Z12.11 became effective on October 1, 2021.
What is screening for asymptomatic disease?
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. Type 1 Excludes. encounter for diagnostic examination-code to sign or symptom. Use Additional.
