2025 CPT code 46600
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Digestive System Surgery Feed
Anoscopy with specimen collection by brushing or washing.
Modifiers 22, 51, 52, 59, 76, 77, 78, 79 may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the service.
Anoscopy is medically necessary when there is a clinical indication such as rectal bleeding, anal pain, or suspicion of anal pathology. The need for specimen collection depends on the clinical suspicion and findings during the anoscopy.
The physician inserts an anoscope into the anal canal, visually inspects the area, collects samples by brushing or washing, and sends the samples to a lab for analysis.
In simple words: The doctor examines the anus and rectum using a thin, tube-like instrument.They may collect samples for testing by brushing or washing the area.
Anoscopy; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed as a separate procedure.This procedure involves the insertion of an anoscope into the anal canal to visually inspect the anus and rectum.Samples are collected via brushing or washing the anal canal for laboratory analysis.This code should not be reported with codes 46020-46947, or 0184T during the same operative session.For diagnostic high-resolution anoscopy (HRA), use code 46601.
Example 1: A patient presents with rectal bleeding.The physician performs an anoscopy to visualize the anal canal and rectum, and collects samples to identify the cause of bleeding., A patient reports anal discomfort. An anoscopy is performed to rule out any pathology, and samples are collected for cytological evaluation to detect pre-cancerous or cancerous cells., Following a hemorrhoidectomy, an anoscopy is performed to assess the healing process and check for any complications.Samples may be taken to assess for infection or inflammation.
* Pre-procedure and post-procedure diagnoses.* Indication for the procedure.* Description of the procedure performed, including the type of sampling technique (brushing, washing, or both).* Detailed description of findings, including images if available.* Lab results, if applicable.
** The code 46600 is for diagnostic anoscopy only.Therapeutic procedures, such as hemorrhoid treatment or removal, should be reported with separate codes.
- Revenue Code: P8I (ENDOSCOPY - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:* Gastroenterology* Colorectal Surgery* General Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center