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Official Description

Hemorrhoidectomy, external, 2 or more columns/groups

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels located in the anal region, which can cause discomfort and various symptoms. External hemorrhoids, specifically, are those that protrude outside the anal canal, leading to potential complications such as pain, itching, and bleeding. The procedure described by CPT® Code 46250 involves a hemorrhoidectomy, which is the surgical removal of external hemorrhoids. In this case, the procedure targets two or more columns or groups of hemorrhoids, indicating a more extensive surgical intervention. During the operation, the surgeon evaluates the perianal tissue using an anoscope to assess the severity of the hemorrhoidal disease. The area is prepared by cleansing the perianal skin and injecting a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. A clamp may be utilized to enhance visibility and access to the hemorrhoids. The surgical technique involves making a radial or circumferential incision to excise the hemorrhoids, followed by careful examination of the wound to ensure complete removal of any remaining tissue or clots. Control of bleeding is achieved through pressure or electrocautery, and the surgical site may be sutured or left open for healing. This comprehensive approach ensures that the procedure addresses the multiple hemorrhoidal columns effectively, aiming to alleviate the patient's symptoms and improve their quality of life.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Hemorrhoidectomy, as described by CPT® Code 46250, is indicated for patients experiencing significant symptoms related to external hemorrhoids. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Severe Pain: Patients suffering from intense pain due to external hemorrhoids that do not respond to conservative treatments.
  • Bleeding: Individuals experiencing recurrent or significant bleeding associated with external hemorrhoids.
  • Thrombosis: Cases where external hemorrhoids have become thrombosed, leading to acute pain and swelling.
  • Prolapse: External hemorrhoids that are prolapsed and cannot be manually reduced.
  • Failure of Conservative Treatment: Patients who have not found relief from non-surgical treatments such as dietary changes, topical medications, or rubber band ligation.

2. Procedure

The procedure for a hemorrhoidectomy under CPT® Code 46250 involves several critical steps to ensure effective removal of the hemorrhoids. Each step is designed to maximize patient safety and surgical efficacy:

  • Step 1: Anoscopy and Evaluation The procedure begins with the evaluation of the perianal tissue using an anoscope. This allows the surgeon to assess the extent of hemorrhoidal disease and identify the specific columns or groups of hemorrhoids that require excision.
  • Step 2: Preparation The perianal skin and anal canal are thoroughly cleansed to reduce the risk of infection. A local anesthetic is then injected at the base of the hemorrhoids to ensure the patient remains comfortable throughout the procedure.
  • Step 3: Traction and Exposure A clamp may be applied to the skin surrounding the hemorrhoids. This provides traction, enhancing visibility and access to the hemorrhoids for the surgeon.
  • Step 4: Incision A radial or circumferential incision is made over the hemorrhoid. This incision allows for the removal of any blood clots present and facilitates the excision of the entire hemorrhoid.
  • Step 5: Hemorrhoid Excision The entire hemorrhoid is sharply excised, ensuring that all affected tissue is removed. The base of the wound is then examined for any residual hemorrhoidal tissue or clots, which are also excised as necessary.
  • Step 6: Hemostasis After the excision, bleeding is controlled through the application of pressure or the use of electrocautery to minimize blood loss during the procedure.
  • Step 7: Wound Closure The surgical wound may be sutured closed or left open to heal naturally, depending on the surgeon's assessment and the specific circumstances of the case. This step is repeated for each column or group of hemorrhoids being treated.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a hemorrhoidectomy involves monitoring for any complications and managing pain. Patients are typically advised to rest and may be prescribed pain relief medications to alleviate discomfort. It is essential to maintain proper hygiene in the anal area to prevent infection. Patients should also be instructed on dietary modifications, such as increasing fiber intake and hydration, to promote regular bowel movements and reduce strain during defecation. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess healing and address any concerns that may arise during the recovery period.

Short Descr REMOVE EXT HEM GROUPS 2+
Medium Descr HEMORRHOIDECTOMY XTRNL 2/> COLUMN/GROUP
Long Descr Hemorrhoidectomy, external, 2 or more columns/groups
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple 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.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
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) P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 81 - Hemorrhoid procedures
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).
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.
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.)
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
QJ Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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
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Action
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2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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