Summary & Overview
CPT 46910: Destruction of Anal Lesion by Thermal Cautery
CPT code 46910 describes the destruction of an anal lesion by thermal cautery, commonly used for condyloma, papilloma, molluscum contagiosum, and herpetic vesicles. This minor surgical procedure is performed in outpatient settings such as physician offices, ambulatory surgical centers, or specialty clinics. Nationally, the code matters for outpatient procedural billing, payer-specific coverage determinations, and coding accuracy for anorectal lesion management.
Key payers addressed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication outlines typical reimbursement benchmarks, common billing modifiers in circulation, and clinical context that coders and billers need to track when submitting claims for lesion destruction procedures. Readers will find: national-level benchmarks and utilization patterns where available, explanations of the clinical scenarios that map to the code, guidance on expected sites of service, and a catalog of common modifiers in use. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
This summary equips coding, billing, and clinical staff with a concise reference to recognize when 46910 applies, understand its clinical scope, and anticipate payer considerations for outpatient destruction of anal lesions.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 46910 describes the destruction of an anal lesion using thermal cautery. Procedures covered by this code include removal of lesions such as condyloma, papilloma, molluscum contagiosum, or herpetic vesicles by applying heat from an electric current to cauterize or ablate the lesion.
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Service type: Minor surgical/dermatologic destructive procedure
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Typical site of service: Outpatient clinic, ambulatory surgical center, or physician office where minor anorectal procedures are performed
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 34-year-old patient presents to an ambulatory dermatology or colorectal clinic with several small, symptomatic anal condylomata confirmed on visual inspection. The provider performs an office-based procedure using electrocautery to destroy visible warts under topical or local anesthesia. The workflow includes pre-procedure consent and history, targeted inspection and possible anoscopic visualization, administration of local anesthesia as needed, electrocautery destruction of lesions with hemostasis, post-procedure wound care instructions, and documentation of lesion count, size, location, anesthesia, and immediate response. Typical site of service: outpatient office or ambulatory surgical center.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
25 | Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure | Use when a distinct E/M is documented on the same day as 46910 for an unrelated or separately identifiable problem. |
52 | Reduced services | Use when is partially reduced or not completed as planned. |