Colonoscopy is a visual examination of the lining of the large intestine using
a rigid or flexible video or fiberoptic endoscope. The procedure includes
inspection of the entire colon, from the rectum to the cecum, and may include
the examination of the terminal ileum. A colonoscopy, by definition, must
examine the colon proximal to the splenic flexure. The colonoscope is inserted
via the anus or stoma, and then advanced under direct vision or video image. A
rigid sigmoidoscope may be used for an intraoperative transcolotomy approach.  
  
 **A colonoscopy requires the use of a flexible fiberoptic instrument that has
the potential to examine the entire colon, and must potentially reach the
entire colon (i.e. the cecum) when inserted through the anus.**  
  
Coverage for screening colonoscopy and other modalities for colorectal cancer
is covered by CMS national policy [NCD Chapter 1 Section
210.3](https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-
Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/Downloads/ncd103c1_Part4.pdf) and in the [Internet
Only Manual 100-04, Chapter 18 Section 60](https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-
and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/Downloads/clm104c18.pdf).  
  
A **diagnostic** colonoscopy is indicated for the following:

  * Evaluation of an abnormality discovered by a radiology examination wherein the findings of the study are consistent with a colonic lesion that is likely to be clinically significant,
  * An abnormal oncology colorectal screening or stool based DNA test as described in the CMS Colorectal Cancer screening Preventive Services requirements,
  * Evaluation of unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding:
    * Hematochezia that is not from the rectum or a perianal source,
    * Melena of unknown origin after an upper GI source has been ruled out or when clinical findings indicate that a lower GI source may also be present,
    * Presence of fecal occult blood, or
    * Unexplained iron deficiency anemia.
  * Clinically significant diarrhea of unexplained origin, after other appropriate workup,
  * Evaluation of acute colonic ischemia/ischemic bowel disease,
  * Evaluation of patients with streptococcus bovis endocarditis when a source is determined to likely to be of colonic origin (e.g. streptococcus bovis),
  * Clinical suspicion of inflammatory bowel disease which may be manifested by abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate or other pertinent findings,
  * Known chronic inflammatory bowel disease of the colon when a more precise determination of the extent of disease will influence clinical management,
  * Surveillance of selected patients with Crohn's colitis, or chronic ulcerative colitis for the purpose of ruling out colorectal cancer is considered high risk screening and should follow the requirements set forth in the CMS Internet Only Manual 100-04 Chapter 18 Section 60
  * Surveillance of colonic neoplasia: 
    * Evaluation of the entire colon for a cancer with polyps noted on an earlier colonoscopy in accordance with the established national guidelines.
    * This includes patients with known polyps from a previous colonoscopy or imaging study who have a known genetic predisposition for colon cancer.
  * Intraoperative identification of the site of a lesion for findings that are suspected but that cannot be confirmed/detected by palpation or gross inspection at surgery.

Diagnostic colonoscopy is **not covered** for evaluation of the following:

  * Chronic, stable irritable bowel syndrome,
  * Acute limited diarrhea,
  * Hemorrhoids,
  * Metastatic adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site when a colonic origin is strongly suspected based on history and physical and imaging findings or biopsy reports,
  * Routine follow-up of inflammatory bowel disease (except as indicated above in this section),
  * Routine examination of the colon in patients about to undergo elective abdominal surgery for noncolonic disease,
  * Upper GI bleeding or melena with a demonstrated upper GI source and absence of findings suggestive of a lower GI bleeding site,
  * Bright red rectal bleeding in patients with a convincing anorectal source via direct examination, anoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy **and** no other symptoms suggestive of a more proximal bleeding source,
  * Patients with a family history of colon cancer without a personal history of symptoms. These patients may be covered by the CMS Colorectal Screening coverage.

A **therapeutic** colonoscopy is indicated for:

  * Treatment of bleeding from such lesions as vascular anomalies, ulceration, and neoplasia,
  * Balloon dilation of a stenotic lesion,
  * Decompression of a sigmoid volvulus and/or an acute non-toxic megacolon or pseudo-obstruction associated with Ogilvie's Syndrome
  * Removal of foreign body,
  * Excision of colonic polyps.
  * Repair of a perforation when it is expected that such repair will most likely avoid further surgical intervention and further surgical intervention is not needed (for example to drain an abscess at which time the perforation could be corrected by the surgeon)

Colonoscopy is **contraindicated** if the patient has:

  * Fulminant colitis,
  * Acute severe diverticulitis, or
  * Suspected perforated viscus. A therapeutic colonoscopy by a trained endoscopist capable of repairing a perforation site may be allowed when the clinical findings and imaging studies strongly indicate that a perforation has occurred and the suspected site of the perforation allows for endoscopic repair.

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