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Official Description

Anoscopy; with removal of single tumor, polyp, or other lesion by snare technique

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 46611 refers to a specific medical procedure known as anoscopy, which involves the examination of the anal canal and lower rectum using a specialized instrument called an anoscope. This procedure is particularly focused on the removal of a single tumor, polyp, or other lesion utilizing a technique known as snare technique. The snare technique involves the use of a wire loop that is placed around the lesion. Once positioned, the loop is heated, allowing it to effectively shave off and cauterize the lesion simultaneously. This method is advantageous as it can either remove the lesion in its entirety with a single application of the snare or, in cases where the lesion is larger, it may be removed piecemeal, requiring multiple applications of the snare. The procedure is typically performed in a clinical setting and is essential for addressing various conditions affecting the anal and rectal areas, particularly those involving abnormal growths such as polyps or tumors.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 46611 is indicated for the removal of specific lesions within the anal canal and lower rectum. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this procedure:

  • Single Tumor The presence of a singular tumor that requires excision to prevent further complications or to facilitate diagnosis.
  • Polyp The identification of a polyp, which is an abnormal growth that may have the potential to develop into cancer if left untreated.
  • Other Lesion Any other abnormal lesion that may be present in the anal canal or lower rectum that necessitates removal for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 46611 involves several critical steps to ensure the effective removal of the lesion. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Preparation and Insertion The procedure begins with the preparation of the patient and the necessary equipment. An obturator is inserted into the anoscope, which is then introduced into the anus. The clinician advances the anoscope using a gentle twisting motion while the patient bears down, facilitating the insertion.
  • Step 2: Visualization Once the anoscope is in place, the obturator is removed, and the eyepiece is attached to the anoscope. This allows for direct visualization of the anal canal and lower rectum. The clinician carefully inspects the mucosa to identify the tumor, polyp, or other lesion that requires removal.
  • Step 3: Snare Placement After identifying the lesion, a wire loop (snare) is placed around it. This step is crucial as it prepares the lesion for removal. The clinician ensures that the snare is positioned correctly to encompass the lesion adequately.
  • Step 4: Lesion Removal The wire loop is then heated, which serves a dual purpose: it shaves off the lesion and cauterizes the area simultaneously. This technique minimizes bleeding and promotes healing. Depending on the size and nature of the lesion, it may be removed entirely in one application of the snare or piecemeal, requiring multiple applications.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the completion of the procedure, the patient may be monitored for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or discomfort. Post-procedure care typically includes instructions for the patient regarding activity restrictions and signs of potential complications to watch for, such as excessive bleeding or signs of infection. The clinician may also provide guidance on follow-up appointments to assess healing and discuss any further treatment if necessary. Recovery time can vary based on the individual and the complexity of the lesion removed, but most patients can expect a relatively quick recovery with appropriate care.

Short Descr ANOSCOPY
Medium Descr ANOSC RMVL 1 TUM POLYP/OTH LES SNARE TQ
Long Descr Anoscopy; with removal of single tumor, polyp, or other lesion by snare technique
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 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) P8I - Endoscopy - other
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).
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.
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.)
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1994-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1994.
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