Summary & Overview
CPT 46924: Extensive Destruction of Anal Lesion
CPT code 46924 represents the extensive destruction of anal lesions — such as condyloma, papilloma, molluscum contagiosum, or herpetic vesicles — using modalities like laser, electrocautery, cryotherapy, or chemical agents. Nationally, this code captures procedures that require more comprehensive lesion removal in the anal region and carries implications for coding accuracy, payer coverage, and outpatient procedural workflows.
Key payers included in the analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The review covers common coverage considerations and clinical context relevant to these payers, with attention to how the procedure is typically performed in ambulatory and clinic settings.
Readers will learn what CPT code 46924 denotes clinically, where the service is commonly delivered, and which major payers are relevant for coverage considerations. The publication provides benchmarks and policy-relevant context where available, highlights clinical scenarios that commonly generate use of this code, and identifies missing data elements that affect comparative analyses. Data not available in the input is noted explicitly for transparency.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 46924 describes the extensive destruction of an anal lesion (for example, condyloma, papilloma, molluscum contagiosum, or herpetic vesicle) using methods such as laser, electric current, cryotherapy, or chemical agents. This procedure involves removal or ablation of lesions in the anal region and is more extensive than simple topical or limited procedures.
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Service type: Procedural dermatologic/surgical lesion destruction
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Typical site of service: Clinic or ambulatory surgery center, procedure room, or outpatient dermatology/surgery setting
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 34-year-old patient presents to a dermatology or colorectal clinic with multiple symptomatic anal condylomata causing pain, bleeding, and hygiene difficulty. After history and focused exam, topical treatments have failed or lesions are extensive; the provider schedules an in-office ablative procedure under local anesthesia. The clinical workflow includes pre-procedure consent and documentation of lesion size/number and location, photographic or diagrammatic mapping of lesions, application of local anesthetic and antiseptic prep to the perianal and anal mucosa, and use of an ablative modality (electrosurgery, cryotherapy, chemical cautery, or laser) for extensive destruction. Hemostasis is achieved, post-procedure wound care and activity restrictions are reviewed, and follow-up is arranged to assess healing and screen for recurrence. Procedure coding uses 46924 for extensive destruction of anal lesions; relevant modifiers capture professional component, bilateral or multiple site circumstances, or unusual service elements. Typical site of service is outpatient clinic, ambulatory surgery center, or physician office with minor procedure capability.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when only the physician’s interpretation/professional service is billed separate from the technical component (rare for office procedures). |