Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Proctosigmoidoscopy, rigid; with biopsy, single or multiple

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 45305 is known as a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy with biopsy. This medical procedure involves the insertion of a rigid endoscope into the rectal cavity, allowing the physician to visualize the rectum and the distal part of the colon, specifically the sigmoid colon. The endoscope is a flexible tube equipped with a light and camera, which provides a clear view of the internal structures. During this examination, the physician can identify abnormalities such as polyps, tumors, or signs of inflammation. Additionally, the procedure includes the collection of one or more tissue samples, known as biopsies, which are taken for further pathological examination. This is crucial for diagnosing various conditions, including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and other gastrointestinal disorders. The ability to obtain tissue samples during the procedure enhances diagnostic accuracy and aids in the development of an appropriate treatment plan.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The rigid proctosigmoidoscopy with biopsy is indicated for several clinical scenarios where visualization and tissue sampling of the rectum and sigmoid colon are necessary. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Rectal Bleeding The presence of blood in the stool or rectal bleeding can indicate various gastrointestinal issues, necessitating further investigation.
  • Abnormal Imaging Results Findings from imaging studies, such as CT scans or X-rays, that suggest abnormalities in the rectal or sigmoid area may require direct visualization and biopsy.
  • Change in Bowel Habits Significant changes in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation, may prompt the need for evaluation to rule out underlying conditions.
  • Suspicion of Colorectal Cancer Patients with risk factors or symptoms suggestive of colorectal cancer may undergo this procedure for early detection and diagnosis.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease Conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease may require biopsy for diagnosis and assessment of disease activity.

2. Procedure

The procedure of rigid proctosigmoidoscopy with biopsy involves several key steps that ensure effective examination and tissue sampling. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Preparation The patient is typically instructed to follow specific dietary restrictions and may be required to undergo bowel preparation to ensure the rectal area is clear of stool, facilitating better visualization during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Positioning The patient is positioned appropriately, usually lying on their left side with knees drawn towards the chest, to allow optimal access to the rectal area.
  • Step 3: Insertion of the Endoscope The physician gently inserts the rigid endoscope into the rectum. The endoscope is advanced slowly to visualize the rectal cavity and the sigmoid colon, while air may be introduced to distend the area for better visibility.
  • Step 4: Visualization As the endoscope is advanced, the physician examines the mucosal lining for any abnormalities, such as lesions, polyps, or signs of inflammation.
  • Step 5: Biopsy Collection If any suspicious areas are identified, the physician uses specialized instruments to obtain one or more tissue samples (biopsies) for histological examination. This step is critical for diagnosing potential pathologies.
  • Step 6: Withdrawal of the Endoscope After the examination and biopsy collection, the endoscope is carefully withdrawn, and the procedure is concluded.

3. Post-Procedure

After the rigid proctosigmoidoscopy with biopsy, patients may experience some mild discomfort or cramping, which is generally temporary. It is important for patients to be monitored for any immediate complications, such as excessive bleeding or signs of infection. Patients are typically advised to rest for the remainder of the day and may be instructed to avoid strenuous activities for a short period. The physician will provide specific post-procedure care instructions, including dietary recommendations and when to resume normal activities. Additionally, patients should be informed about when to expect biopsy results and any follow-up appointments that may be necessary to discuss findings and further management options.

Short Descr PROCTOSIGMOIDOSCOPY W/BX
Medium Descr PROCTOSGMDSC RIGID W/BX SINGLE/MULTIPLE
Long Descr Proctosigmoidoscopy, rigid; with biopsy, single or multiple
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 3 - Special payment adjustment rules for multiple endoscopic procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Endoscopic Base Code 45300  Proctosigmoidoscopy, rigid; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing (separate procedure)
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P8C - Endoscopy - sigmoidoscopy
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 77 - Proctoscopy and anorectal biopsy
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
PT Colorectal cancer screening test; converted to diagnostic test or other procedure
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"