Capsule Endoscopy (intestinal) reported in ICD-10-PCS

A capsule endoscopy is less invasive than the endoscopic procedures.  The patient swallows a capsule containing a wireless camera.  This camera will take photographs as it moves through the digestive system. The physician will then view the pictures and determine if there is anything seen that may require further investigation or treatment.

In ICD-10-PCS this is coded to the root operation “inspection.”  The code will depend on the extent of the “inspection.”  If the upper intestinal tract is pictured and reviewed by the physician, then report 0DJ07ZZ.  If the lower intestinal tract is pictured and reviewed by the physician, then report 0DJD7ZZ.

An example is given in AHA Coding Clinic for ICD-10 CM and ICD-10-PCS, Second Quarter 2016, Pages 20 & 21.

Definition of root operation Inspection: Visually and/or manually exploring a body part.

Authored by Kim Boy, RHIT, CDIP, CCS, CCS-P

Reference: AHA Coding Clinic for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS, Second Quarter 2016, Pages 20 & 21

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