CPT code 46020 represents the placement of an anal seton, a focused anorectal surgical procedure commonly used to manage anal fistulae by maintaining drainage and promoting healing. Nationally, this procedure is clinically important because it addresses a painful, recurrent condition that often requires surgical intervention and coordination between outpatient surgical facilities and colorectal or general surgeons. The code signals a minor operative service typically performed in outpatient surgical suites, ambulatory surgery centers, or hospital operating rooms.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context, common sites of service, and the role of the code in procedural billing workflows. The publication outlines benchmarking elements and policy-relevant factors such as site-of-service considerations and payer coverage variability. Where data are not provided in the input, the report indicates: Data not available in the input.

This article is intended for coding professionals, revenue cycle staff, and clinicians who need a clear national-level reference for coding and billing practices related to anal seton placement under CPT code 46020.