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2025 CPT code 46916

Destruction of anal lesion(s) (e.g., condyloma, papilloma, molluscum contagiosum, herpetic vesicle) by cryosurgery

Do not report 46916 in conjunction with other destruction codes for the same lesion during the same operative session.

Modifiers may be applicable to 46916 to indicate specific circumstances, such as increased procedural services (modifier 22) or multiple procedures (modifier 51).

Medical necessity for cryosurgery of anal lesions is based on the presence of symptomatic or bothersome lesions that have not responded to other treatments, or for lesions where other treatment modalities are contraindicated.

The physician identifies the lesions on the perianal skin and applies the cryosurgical agent. This technique requires precision to ensure controlled destruction and minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

IMPORTANT:For destruction of anal lesions by other methods, see:* 46900 (chemical)* 46910 (electrodesiccation)* 46917 (laser)* 46922 (surgical excision, simple)* 46924 (surgical excision, complex)

In simple words: The doctor freezes off growths or sores around the anus using a very cold substance.

This code describes the destruction of one or more anal lesions, such as condylomas, papillomas, molluscum contagiosum, or herpetic vesicles, using cryosurgery.Cryosurgery involves the use of extreme cold, typically liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide, to freeze and destroy the targeted tissue.

Example 1: A patient presents with several small condylomas around the anus. The physician uses cryosurgery to destroy the lesions., A patient has a single, large molluscum contagiosum lesion near the anus. The physician opts for cryosurgery to remove the lesion due to its size and location., A patient with a history of herpes simplex experiences a recurrent outbreak of herpetic vesicles in the perianal area. Cryosurgery is used to treat the active lesions.

Documentation should include the number, size, and type of lesions treated, the method of cryosurgery used (e.g., liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide), and the patient's response to the treatment.

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