Colon polyps (also known as colorectal polyps) refer to small clump or growth of cells that form on the lining or surface of the colon. Anyone can develop colon polyps. In fact, the condition is common in American adults, especially among men and older adults. As per reports from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, colon polyps occur in about 15 to 40 percent of adults. The risk of this condition tends to be higher in people who are overweight, above 50 years of age, active smokers and have a personal or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer. It can also occur in children, with an estimated 6 percent getting affected. In most cases, these polyps are harmless. But, overtime, some colon polyps can develop into colon cancer, which can be fatal if found only in the later stages. Early identification of symptoms and removal of polyps can reduce risk of colorectal cancer in the long run. Billing and coding for this gastenetreology condition can be challenging. For precise documentation, physicians usually rely on the services of a professional medical billing company. 

Causes and Types of Polyps

The exact factors that cause colon polyps are unknown. People are either born with colon polyps or develop them during their lifetimes. However, the appearance of these polyps is linked to lifestyle factors like a high-fat diet, low consumption of fiber, obesity, high consumption of red meat and the habit of smoking. In certain group of people, genetic factors cause the cells of the colon to multiply more than they should. Hereditary disorders that cause colon polyps include - Lynch syndrome, Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Gardner's syndrome and Serrated polyposis syndrome. 

There are different types of colon polyps. Each type carries different risk factors. Also, the size of the polyp is related to its potential severity. Three common types of colon polyps include – 

•    Hyperplastic Polyps – Also called inflammatory polyps, these are usually harmless and will rarely become cancerous.
•    Malignant Polyps – These are polyps that contain cancerous cells. Treatment for these polyps will depend on the severity of the cancer and the overall health of a person. 
•    Adenomas – Also called adenomatous polyps, these are not cancerous but the chances of those becoming cancerous in the future tend to be higher. Therefore, physicians usually recommend removing adenomas.

Symptoms 

Generally, people with colon polyps do not experience any specific signs or symptoms. In most cases, physicians tend to find these polyps during routine physical examination or tests related to another disorder. In certain cases, physicians may recommend regular screening for older adults and people with risk factors for colon polyps. Detecting polyps at an early stage can help remove these growths without complications. When colon polyps do cause symptoms, they could be – 

•    Bleeding from the rectum
•    Iron deficiency anemia
•    Abdominal pain
•    A change in the color of stools
•    A change in bowel habits including constipation or diarrhea (that lasts longer than a week)

Diagnosis and Treatment 

Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history review, assessment of risk factors and physical examination. If screening tests detect colon polyps, physicians may recommend further tests. Additional screening tests play a key role in detecting polyps before they become cancerous, reducing the risk of complications and improving the chances of full recovery. Additional screening tests include – Colonoscopy, Flexible sigmoidoscopy, Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography) and Stool-based tests. 

Treatment of colon polyps involves removal of the polyps. Physicians may also suggest certain lifestyle changes to prevent colon polyps from reccurring. Removal of colon polyps can be done using the following methods like – Colonoscopy, Laparoscopy, Total proctocolectomy (removing the colon and rectum) and Polypectomy (removal with forceps or a wire loop). Soon, after the removal of a polyp, physicians will send it for lab testing where experts will analyze the polyp tissue samples and check whether it is benign or precancerous. 

ICD-10 Codes for Colon Polyps

Gastroenterologists or specialists who diagnose and treat colon polyps need to be reimbursed for their services. Correct medical codes must be used to document the diagnosis, screening and other procedures performed. Medical billing services provided by established companies can ensure correct code assignment for claim submission. For correctly assignment of the diagnosis code, the documentation should specify - the type of polyps and the exact location of the polyps (where they appear in the neoplasm). ICD-10 codes for colon polyps include – 

•    D12 Benign neoplasm of colon, rectum, anus and anal canal
•    D12.0 Benign neoplasm of cecum
•    D12.1 Benign neoplasm of appendix
•    D12.2 Benign neoplasm of ascending colon
•    D12.3 Benign neoplasm of transverse colon
•    D12.4 Benign neoplasm of descending colon
•    D12.5 Benign neoplasm of sigmoid colon
•    D12.6 Benign neoplasm of colon, unspecified
•    D12.7 Benign neoplasm of rectosigmoid junction
•    D12.8 Benign neoplasm of rectum
•    D12.9 Benign neoplasm of anus and anal canal
•    K51.40 Inflammatory polyps of colon without complications
•    K51.411 Inflammatory polyps of colon with rectal bleeding
•    K51.412 Inflammatory polyps of colon with intestinal obstruction
•    K51.413 Inflammatory polyps of colon with fistula
•    K51.414 Inflammatory polyps of colon with abscess
•    K51.418 Inflammatory polyps of colon with other complication
•    K62.0 Anal polyp
•     K62.1 Rectal polyp
•    K63.5 Polyp of colon

Treatment of diseases of the colon and rectum can be complicated. As physicians focus on ensuring high-quality patient care, they can rely on an experienced medical billing companies to ensure accurate code assignment and error-free claim submission.