R19.8 — Other specified symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen
ICD-10-CM
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)
Documentation Required
- The submitted CPT/HCPCS code must accurately describe the service performed.
- All documentation must be maintained in the patient medical record and made available to the contractor upon request.
- Every page of the record must be legible and include appropriate patient identification information (e.g., complete name, dates of service).
- The documentation must include the legible signature of the physician or non-physician practitioner responsible for and providing the care.
Key Coverage Criteria
- Diagnostic colonoscopy is covered when the service meets the reasonable and necessary requirements specified in Local Coverage Determination L33671.
- Diagnostic colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is covered to directly visualize the lower gastrointestinal tract (colon, rectum, sigmoid) to detect polyps, tumors, or other intestinal lesions.
- Diagnostic colonoscopy is covered when identification of the site of pathology and/or obtaining a biopsy during the procedure is clinically indicated.
- A follow-on screening colonoscopy is covered after a positive covered blood-based biomarker noninvasive colorectal cancer (CRC) screening test per NCD 210.3, effective 2025-01-01.
- CPT codes 64400-64530 for peripheral nerve blocks may be reported on the date of surgery when performed for postoperative pain management only if the operative anesthesia is general anesthesia, subarachnoid injection, or epidural injection and the adequacy of intraoperative anesthesia is not dependent on the peripheral nerve block.
- Peripheral nerve block services that are separate, medically necessary services which cannot be rendered by the surgeon may be reported if the surgeon documents the reason for referral and the additional services are justified in the medical record.
20 Active Policies
L35486 — Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Anorectal Manometry and EMG
J05
L34614 — Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy-Diagnostic
J05
A56394 — Billing and Coding: Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy-Diagnostic
J05
A57595 — Billing and Coding: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Anorectal Manometry and EMG
J05
Related Codes
Have a follow-up question?
Ask Verity about documentation requirements, denial risks, or coverage in your state.