Summary & Overview
CPT 46611: Anoscopy with Snare Removal of Single Polyp or Lesion
CPT code 46611 denotes anoscopy with removal of a single tumor, polyp, or lesion using a snare technique. This targeted minor surgical procedure is performed to remove visible lesions in the anal canal and can affect clinical management by providing definitive removal and tissue for pathology. Nationally, the code is relevant to outpatient procedural billing and surveillance for colorectal and anorectal pathology.
Key payers addressed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical context, typical sites of service, and the procedural focus for documentation and coding clarity. The publication summarizes common modifiers and payer considerations (where available) and situates 46611 among related anorectal procedures for coding consistency.
The report helps clinicians, coders, and revenue leaders understand where 46611 fits in standard practice: when an anoscopic snare excision is the indicated approach, how it is typically performed, and what operational settings commonly deliver the service. Data not available in the input are noted where applicable, and the piece emphasizes concise coding description, payer coverage scope, and practical implications for outpatient surgical workflows.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 46611 describes an anoscopy with removal of a single tumor, polyp, or lesion using a snare technique. The procedure uses a small, rigid tubular instrument (anoscope) to visualize the anal canal and locate the lesion. The provider passes a snare over the polyp or tumor and around its stalk, tightens the snare loop to grip the stalk, and removes the lesion from the anal wall.
-
Service type: Procedural excision via anoscopy using a snare
-
Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgical center or hospital outpatient department; may also be performed in an office setting capable of minor surgical procedures
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old patient presents to the outpatient colorectal clinic with rectal bleeding and a palpable anorectal mass on digital rectal exam. After triage and consent, the patient is placed in the knee-chest or left lateral decubitus position. The clinician performs a focused perianal and anal canal inspection using a rigid anoscope to visualize the lesion. Under direct vision, local anesthesia may be administered to the anal verge and canal. A single pedunculated lesion is captured with a snare passed through the anoscope, the loop is tightened around the stalk, and electrocautery or mechanical traction is applied to remove the polyp/tumor. Hemostasis is achieved with cautery or topical agents and the specimen is sent to pathology. The typical workflow includes pre-procedure evaluation, procedural consent, anoscopy with snare polypectomy, specimen handling, brief recovery, and post-procedure discharge instructions. Typical site of service is an ambulatory surgery center or outpatient clinic procedure room. Service type: minor ambulatory surgical procedure (anoscopy with snare excision). Typical patient scenario: symptomatic anal canal polyp or small tumor requiring in-office or ASC removal for diagnosis and symptom relief.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
11 | Office or other outpatient setting (standard) | Use when this is the usual service representative of the surgeon's typical work. |