How To Use CPT Code 46600

CPT 46600 describes the diagnostic procedure of anoscopy, which involves the examination of the anus using a small, rigid instrument called an anoscope. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 46600?

CPT 46600 can be used to describe the diagnostic procedure of anoscopy. During this procedure, a healthcare provider uses an anoscope, a small, rigid instrument, to examine the anus and collect samples for analysis. This code is used when the provider performs the anoscopy and collects specimens through brushing or washing.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 46600 is: ‘Anoscopy; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed (separate procedure).’ It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 46020-46947 or 0184T during the same operative session. For diagnostic high-resolution anoscopy (HRA), use CPT code 46601.

3. Procedure

1. After appropriate patient preparation and anesthesia, the healthcare provider inserts an anoscope into the anal canal.
2. Using the anoscope, the provider visually inspects the inner wall of the anus and the rectum.
3. If necessary, the provider collects samples for analysis by brushing the walls of the anal canal or by washing the area with fluid.
4. The collected samples are then sent to the laboratory for diagnostic analysis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 46600 is performed on patients who require a diagnostic examination of the anus. This procedure is typically performed when there is a need to collect samples for laboratory analysis. It is important to note that CPT 46600 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 46020-46947 or 0184T during the same operative session.

5. When to use CPT code 46600

CPT code 46600 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a diagnostic anoscopy and collects specimens through brushing or washing. It is important to ensure that this code is not reported in conjunction with other codes that are integral to a larger procedure performed during the same operative session.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 46600, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis or reason for the diagnostic anoscopy
• Details of the procedure, including the use of an anoscope and the collection of specimens through brushing or washing
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as findings or complications

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 46600, it is important to ensure that the procedure is performed as a separate procedure and not as an integral part of a larger procedure during the same operative session. It should not be reported in conjunction with codes 46020-46947 or 0184T. It is also important to follow any specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the use of this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 46600 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2015, with the updated description being: ‘Anoscopy; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing (separate procedure).’ No further updates have been made to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A gastroenterologist performs a diagnostic anoscopy on a patient with rectal bleeding, collecting specimens for further analysis.
2. A colorectal surgeon uses an anoscope to visually inspect the anus and rectum of a patient with suspected anal fissures.
3. A proctologist performs a diagnostic anoscopy on a patient with recurring hemorrhoids, collecting samples for laboratory analysis.
4. An oncologist performs an anoscopy on a patient with a history of anal cancer, collecting specimens for diagnostic purposes.
5. A general surgeon performs a diagnostic anoscopy on a patient with suspected anal polyps, collecting samples for further examination.
6. A gastroenterologist uses an anoscope to visually examine the anus and rectum of a patient with inflammatory bowel disease.
7. A nurse practitioner performs a diagnostic anoscopy on a patient with chronic anal itching, collecting specimens for analysis.
8. A colorectal surgeon performs an anoscopy on a patient with suspected anal abscess, collecting samples for diagnostic purposes.
9. An oncologist uses an anoscope to visually inspect the anus and rectum of a patient with a history of anal dysplasia.
10. A proctologist performs a diagnostic anoscopy on a patient with suspected anal fistula, collecting specimens for further examination.