The codes
Since 2018, anesthesia for GI endoscopy uses dedicated codes: 00731 and 00732 for upper GI procedures, 00811 and 00812 for lower GI procedures, with 00812 for screening colonoscopy, and 00813 when upper and lower procedures happen in the same session.
Screening or diagnostic?
A screening colonoscopy can turn diagnostic once a polyp is removed. How that's reported affects what the patient owes and how payers process the claim, so the anesthesia claim needs to match the procedure claim.
Common pitfalls
- Using an old code combination after a payer has updated its rules
- Missing modifiers that show a screening case changed during the procedure
- Payers that limit anesthesia for routine endoscopy, so check medical necessity rules
Endoscopy rules change often. Check each payer's current policy.
This article is general information, not billing, legal or tax advice. Payer rules change; always check current guidance.