2025 CPT code 46917
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Digestive System Surgery Feed
Destruction of anal lesion using cryosurgery.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.Consult the CPT manual for specific modifier guidelines.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of symptomatic or cosmetically concerning perianal lesions that impair the patient's quality of life or pose a risk of infection or bleeding.Cryosurgery is a minimally invasive method that's often preferred over more extensive surgical techniques.
The physician identifies and destroys the perianal lesion using cryosurgery. This requires expertise in identifying the lesion's boundaries and controlling bleeding.
In simple words: The doctor removes an abnormal growth or sore around the anus using a freezing technique.
This CPT code encompasses the destruction of an anal lesion, such as a condyloma, papilloma, molluscum contagiosum, or herpetic vesicle, using cryosurgery.The procedure involves identifying the lesion(s) on the perianal skin and destroying them using a cryosurgical vaporization technique. This method offers precise control over the lesion margins, depth of the procedure, and bleeding control.
Example 1: A patient presents with a condyloma on the perianal skin. The physician uses cryosurgery to destroy the lesion., A patient has multiple small papillomas around the anus. Cryosurgery is employed to remove them., A patient with a molluscum contagiosum lesion on the perianal area undergoes cryosurgical destruction of the lesion.
* Detailed history and physical examination noting the location, size, and number of lesions.* Photographic documentation of the lesions before and after the procedure.* Operative report detailing the technique used and the extent of tissue destruction.* Pathology report if tissue is sent for analysis.
** This code is primarily used for smaller, well-defined lesions.For extensive lesions or those requiring more complex techniques, alternative codes (e.g., 46924) may be more appropriate.
- Revenue Code: P6C (MINOR PROCEDURES - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:* Gastroenterology* Colorectal Surgery* Dermatology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center