Positive Cologuard ICD-10-CM Codes
Read this short guide to learn about Positive Cologuard ICD codes you can use!
Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.
What Positive Cologuard ICD-10 codes can I use?
If you’re having trouble looking for Positive Cologuard ICD codes, that’s because there are no ICD-10 codes that specifically mention positive cologuard or even just cologuard in their names. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any, though!
A Cologuard Test is a screening test meant to detect colon and rectal cancer, and there are ICD-10 codes for such screening tests in general. There are no ICD-10 codes for positive results, though.
Here are the two ICD-10 codes you’re looking for:
- Z12.11 - Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon
This is meant to be used on patients getting screened for malignant neoplasm of the colon. Malignant neoplasm is another term for cancerous tumors. Since Cologuard is a screening test that a healthcare professional might suggest, you can use this ICD-10 code.
- Z12.12 - Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of rectum
This is similar to Item 1, but this time, it’s for getting screened for malignant neoplasm of the rectum.
You’ll have to use either one or both of these ICD-10 codes as well:
- C18.9 - Malignant neoplasm of colon, unspecified
This is meant to be used if your patient is positive for colon cancer.
It has an unspecified label. In this context, the part of the colon that has the cancer is unspecified. Please use a more specific ICD-10 code once the specific location is identified.
- C20 - Malignant neoplasm of rectum
This is meant to be used if your patient is positive for rectum cancer.
Are these Positive Cologuard ICD-10 codes billable?
Yes. All the aforementioned Positive Cologuard-related ICD-10 codes are valid and billable.
Clinical information about Positive Cologuard:
- Positive Cologuard test indicates the possibility of colorectal cancer or advanced adenomas.
- It is not a diagnostic test but a screening tool and should be followed up with a diagnostic colonoscopy.
- Cologuard is a non-invasive stool DNA test with 92% sensitivity in detecting colorectal cancer.
- False positives are possible, and several factors could contribute to this, including other forms of cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or benign colorectal diseases.
- Cologuard also has an 87% specificity rate, meaning approximately 13% of tests could be false positives.
- The test is recommended for adults aged 45 and above, particularly those at average risk for colorectal cancer.
- Cologuard is not a replacement for colonoscopy in high-risk individuals or those exhibiting symptoms of colorectal disease.
Synonyms include:
- Screening for malignant neoplasm of colon
- Screening for malignant neoplasm of rectum
- Positive Cologuard results
- Positive Cologuard screening test
- Possible presence of cancerous tumor in the colon
- Possible presence of cancerous tumor in the rectum
- Positive Cologuard ICD 10
- ICD 10 positive Cologuard
- ICD 10 code for positive Cologuard
- Positive Cologuard test ICD 10
- ICD 10 positive Cologuard test
Commonly asked questions
The risk that Cologuard screening kits carry is the possibility of a false positive or false negative result. It’s best to undergo a comprehensive screening to be sure.
People who use Cologuard screening kits to self-screen themselves must be able to send their stool samples within 24 hours. The samples must arrive within 72 hours of the collection of the samples.
The best time to take it is anytime, anywhere, as long as the person taking it can send the sample within 24 hours after pooping. They can’t take the test if they have diarrhea, if they are menstruating, or if they have rectal bleeding due to hemorrhoids.
