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The procedure described by CPT® Code 46612 involves anoscopy with the removal of multiple tumors, polyps, or other lesions using specific techniques such as hot biopsy forceps, bipolar cautery, or snare technique. Anoscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that allows for the examination of the anal canal and lower rectum. During this procedure, an obturator is inserted into the anoscope, which is then introduced into the anus. The anoscope is advanced with a twisting motion while the patient bears down, facilitating the insertion. Once the anoscope is in place, the obturator is removed, and an eyepiece is attached to allow for visualization. The scope is then carefully withdrawn to inspect the mucosa for any abnormalities, such as tumors or polyps. The removal techniques employed in this procedure include the use of hot biopsy forceps, which are insulated monopolar forceps that simultaneously excise and cauterize tissue, and bipolar cautery, which utilizes electrical current to achieve similar results but with a different mechanism of current flow. These methods are particularly effective for small polyps and vascular ectasias. Additionally, the snare technique involves placing a wire loop around the lesion, which is then heated to excise and cauterize the tissue. Lesions can be removed entirely in one application of the snare or in pieces, depending on the size and nature of the lesions. CPT® Code 46612 specifically refers to the use of one or more of these techniques to remove multiple lesions during a single procedure, highlighting its role in managing various anal and rectal pathologies.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 46612 is indicated for the removal of multiple tumors, polyps, or other lesions found in the anal canal or lower rectum. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for CPT® Code 46612 involves several key steps to ensure effective removal of lesions:
Following the procedure coded under CPT® 46612, patients may experience some discomfort or minor bleeding, which is typically expected. Post-procedure care includes monitoring for any signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding or infection. Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities for a short period and may be given specific instructions regarding diet and bowel movements to promote healing. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess recovery and discuss any pathology results from the excised lesions.
| Short Descr | ANOSCOPY REMOVE LESIONS | Medium Descr | ANOSC RMVL MULT TUMORS CAUTERY/SNARE | Long Descr | Anoscopy; with removal of multiple tumors, polyps, or other lesions by hot biopsy forceps, bipolar cautery or 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 | 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) | 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.) | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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