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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesEndoscopy Procedures on the AnusCPT cpt-46612-anoscopy-multiple-lesion-removal
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    CPT 46612: Anoscopy with Removal of Multiple Lesions

    Medicare pays $381 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 46612 describes an anoscopy procedure in which a provider uses a rigid anoscope to visualize the anal canal and removes multiple tumors, polyps, or lesions using hot biopsy, bipolar cautery, or snare techniques; this is an operative anoscopy with multiple lesion removal typically performed as an outpatient surgical procedure in an ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department for diagnostic and therapeutic management of anorectal lesions.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Surgical Procedures, Outpatient Surgical Procedures - Site of Service, Site of Service Ambulatory Service Center (ASC) Select — Surgical or Diagnostic Procedures in Adults.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A typical patient is a 58-year-old adult who presents to a colorectal clinic with rectal bleeding and/or palpable rectal lesions identified on digital rectal exam. After history and focused examination, the provider schedules an in-office anoscopy under direct visualization using a small rigid anoscope. During the procedure the clinician inspects the distal anal canal and rectum, identifies multiple small polyps or exophytic lesions, and removes them using hot biopsy forceps, bipolar cautery, or a snare technique. Biopsies or polypectomy specimens are submitted for histopathology. Hemostasis is achieved with cautery as needed. The clinical workflow includes pre-procedure consent, brief procedural sedation or local anesthesia as indicated, sterile setup of anoscope and electrosurgical or snare equipment, lesion removal, specimen labeling and pathology submission, post-procedure recovery and discharge instructions, and documentation of findings, technique, complications, and specimen handling.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    45330Flexible sigmoidoscopy, diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed (separate procedure)May be performed before or after anoscopy to evaluate proximal rectosigmoid disease.
    43265Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with biopsy, single or multipleData not available in the input.
    45380Colonoscopy, flexible, diagnostic; with biopsy, single or multipleColonoscopy may be performed in the same episode of care when more proximal evaluation is indicated.
    44120Enterectomy, resection of small intestine; single resection and anastomosisData not available in the input.
    46999Unlisted procedure, anusUse for procedures on the anus not described by a specific CPT code; may be used when anoscopy-directed removal does not fit a listed code.

    Related Modifiers

    8 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    23Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207Q00000X
    2080P0206X
    208D00000X
    207L00000X
    2279E1000X
    207ZH0000X
    207ZM0300X
    1835C0207X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    27 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    A63.8Other specified predominantly sexually transmitted diseases
    C21.0Malignant neoplasm of anus, unspecified
    C21.1Malignant neoplasm of anal canal
    C21.2Malignant neoplasm of cloacogenic zone
    C21.8Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of rectum, anus and anal canal
    D12.6Benign neoplasm of colon, unspecified
    D12.7Benign neoplasm of rectosigmoid junction
    K57.20Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation and abscess without bleeding
    K57.30Diverticulosis of large intestine without perforation or abscess without bleeding
    K57.32Diverticulitis of large intestine without perforation or abscess without bleeding

    Showing 1–10 of 27

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: General Surgery1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Surgical ProceduresUnitedHealthcare2026-09-01
    Outpatient Surgical Procedures - Site of ServiceUnitedHealthcare2026-09-01
    Site of Service Ambulatory Service Center (ASC) Select — Surgical or Diagnostic Procedures in AdultsPremera Bluecross2026-09-01
    Site of Service Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Select — Surgical or Diagnostic Procedures in AdultsPremera Bluecross2026-09-01
    Site of Service Ambulatory Service Center (ASC) SelectPremera Bluecross2026-09-01
    Site of Service Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Select — Site of Service for Ambulatory Surgical Procedures (ASC Select)Premera Bluecross2026-09-01
    Site of Service Ambulatory Service Center (ASC) SelectPremera Bluecross2026-09-01
    Outpatient Surgical Procedures - Site of Servicesierra health and life2026-08-01
    Medical Necessity Guidelines — Inpatient Surgical CareMass General Brigham Health Plan2026-08-01
    Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) - Site of Care PolicyKaiser Permanente2026-08-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-46600-ANOSCOPY-WITH-ANAL-CANAL-SAMPLING

    CPT 46600: Anoscopy with Anal Canal Specimen Collection

    CPT-46601-DIAGNOSTIC-ANOSCOPY-ENHANCED-VISUALIZATION

    CPT 46601: Diagnostic Anoscopy with Enhanced Visualization

    CPT-46604-ANOSCOPY-WITH-ANAL-DILATION

    CPT 46604: Anoscopy with Anal Dilation

    CPT-46606-ANOSCOPY-WITH-BIOPSY

    CPT 46606: Anoscopy with Biopsy, Anal Canal Tissue Sampling

    CPT-46607-ANOSCOPY-WITH-MAGNIFICATION-CHEMICAL-ENHANCEMENT-BIOPSY

    CPT 46607: Anoscopy with High-Resolution Magnification and Biopsy

    CPT-46608-ANOSCOPY-WITH-ANAL-FOREIGN-BODY-REMOVAL

    CPT 46608: Anoscopy with Removal of Anal Foreign Body

    CPT-46610-ANOSCOPY-SINGLE-LESION-REMOVAL-HOT-BIOPSY-BIPOLAR-CAUTERY

    CPT 46610: Anoscopy with Removal of Single Lesion

    CPT-46611-ANOSCOPY-SNARE-POLYPECTOMY

    CPT 46611: Anoscopy with Removal of Single Polyp/Tumor

    CPT-46614-ANOSCOPY-WITH-HEMOSTASIS

    CPT 46614: Anoscopy with Control of Bleeding

    CPT-46615-ANOSCOPY-LESION-EXCISION

    CPT 46615: Anoscopy with Excision of Anorectal Lesion

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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