Enema Administration: Case Analysis: Skip Radiology Codes For Rectal Drug Supervision

ICD-9 564.0x should describe constipation, but don't forget to report comorbid conditions, too.

Not all enemas are imaging procedures. Sometimes the gastroenterologist will opt to administer an enema to treat constipation. Your challenge in such cases is whether to include the enema tubing in an E/M or bill it as a separate procedure. Use the following situation -- plus the bonus tips -- to help you with accurate coding.

Scenario: Our nursing staff administered an enema for an elderly gentleman due to severe constipation after an office visit with his physician. The patient has history of encopresis and constipation. What code choices do you [...]

- Published on 2011-10-10