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Official Description

Anoscopy; with high-resolution magnification (HRA) (eg, colposcope, operating microscope) and chemical agent enhancement, with biopsy, single or multiple

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Anoscopy with high-resolution magnification and chemical-agent enhancement is a specialized procedure that allows for detailed examination of the anal canal and surrounding tissues. This procedure utilizes an anoscope, which is a tubular instrument designed for insertion into the anus, enabling healthcare professionals to visualize the anal mucosa closely. The use of high-resolution magnification, typically achieved through a colposcope or an operating microscope, enhances the ability to detect abnormalities that may not be visible to the naked eye. During the procedure, a chemical agent, such as a mildly acidic solution of 3 percent acetic acid, is applied to the anal mucosa to improve the visibility of any suspicious lesions or areas of concern. This chemical enhancement is crucial for identifying potential pathological changes in the tissue. If any abnormalities are observed, the procedure includes the collection of tissue samples through biopsy, which can be performed on single or multiple sites as necessary. The biopsies are essential for further laboratory analysis to determine the nature of the identified lesions, thereby aiding in accurate diagnosis and subsequent management of any detected conditions.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of anoscopy with high-resolution magnification and chemical-agent enhancement is indicated for various clinical scenarios where detailed examination of the anal canal is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Suspicious Lesions Presence of abnormal growths or lesions in the anal area that require further investigation.
  • Anal Pain Patients experiencing unexplained anal pain may undergo this procedure to identify potential underlying causes.
  • Rectal Bleeding Evaluation of the source of rectal bleeding, which may be indicative of various conditions affecting the anal canal.
  • Anal Fissures Assessment of chronic anal fissures that do not respond to conservative treatment.
  • Screening for Anal Cancer High-risk patients may be screened for anal cancer, particularly those with a history of HPV or other risk factors.

2. Procedure

The procedure of anoscopy with high-resolution magnification and chemical-agent enhancement involves several key steps to ensure thorough examination and biopsy of the anal canal. The following procedural steps are performed:

  • Step 1: Preparation The patient is positioned comfortably, typically in a lateral decubitus position, to facilitate access to the anal area. The healthcare provider explains the procedure to the patient, ensuring informed consent is obtained.
  • Step 2: Anoscope Insertion An anoscope is introduced into the anus using a gentle, advancing twisting motion while the patient bears down. This technique helps to ease the insertion and minimize discomfort.
  • Step 3: Visual Examination Once the anoscope is inserted approximately 2 inches into the anal canal, a standard colposcope or operating microscope is utilized to magnify the area for a detailed visual examination. The entire circumference of the anal mucosa is carefully inspected for any abnormalities.
  • Step 4: Chemical Enhancement A mildly acidic chemical agent, such as 3 percent acetic acid, is applied to the anal mucosa. This application enhances the visualization of any suspicious areas, making it easier to identify lesions or abnormal tissue.
  • Step 5: Biopsy Collection If any lesions or areas of concern are identified during the examination, single or multiple biopsies are performed. Biopsy forceps are passed through the biopsy channel of the scope, opened, and used to remove tissue samples from the suspect site(s). This process is repeated until adequate samples are obtained from all areas of abnormal tissue.
  • Step 6: Post-Biopsy Inspection After the biopsies are collected, the forceps are closed and removed from the anoscope. The anal mucosa is inspected again to ensure no additional abnormalities are present before the instruments are withdrawn.
  • Step 7: Specimen Handling The collected tissue specimens are sent for separate laboratory analysis to determine the nature of the lesions and guide further management.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort or minor bleeding, which is typically expected. It is important for healthcare providers to provide post-procedure care instructions, including advice on managing any pain or discomfort. Patients should be informed about signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding or signs of infection, and advised to contact their healthcare provider if these occur. The results of the biopsy will be communicated to the patient at a follow-up appointment, where further management or treatment options will be discussed based on the findings.

Short Descr DIAGNOSTIC ANOSCOPY & BIOPSY
Medium Descr ANOSCOPY DX W/HRA &CHEM AGNTS ENHANCEMENT W/BX
Long Descr Anoscopy; with high-resolution magnification (HRA) (eg, colposcope, operating microscope) and chemical agent enhancement, 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 46600  Anoscopy; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed (separate procedure)
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P8I - Endoscopy - other
MUE 1
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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.
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.
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.)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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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2015-01-01 Added Added
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