How To Use CPT Code 46608

CPT 46608 describes the procedure of anoscopy with the removal of a foreign body from the anus. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 46608?

CPT 46608 can be used to describe the procedure in which a healthcare provider performs an anoscopy and removes a foreign body from the anus. An anoscopy is a medical examination that involves the use of an anoscope, a small, rigid, tubular instrument, to inspect the inner wall of the anus and rectum. During this procedure, the provider identifies any foreign bodies present and uses alligator forceps or a basket to grasp and remove them.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 46608 is: ‘Anoscopy; with removal of foreign body.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The healthcare provider inserts an anoscope through the anal canal.
3. The provider inspects the area and identifies any foreign bodies.
4. Alligator forceps or a basket is placed through the anoscope to grasp and remove the foreign body.
5. Once the procedure is complete, the provider removes the anoscope.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 46608 is used when a foreign body is present in the anus and requires removal. This procedure is typically performed when a patient has swallowed an object that has traveled to the lower gastrointestinal tract or when a foreign body has been inserted through the anus and rectum. The healthcare provider must use an anoscope to visualize and remove the foreign body.

5. When to use CPT code 46608

CPT code 46608 should be used when a healthcare provider performs an anoscopy and removes a foreign body from the anus. It is important to accurately document the presence of a foreign body and the use of an anoscope during the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 46608, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Presence of a foreign body in the anus
• Use of an anoscope during the procedure
• Description of the foreign body and its removal
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any additional relevant details or complications
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 46608, ensure that the procedure involves the removal of a foreign body from the anus using an anoscope. It is important to accurately document the presence of the foreign body and the use of the anoscope. CPT code 46608 should not be reported with other codes unless additional procedures or services are performed during the same encounter.

8. Historical information

CPT 46608 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs an anoscopy and removes a small glass shard from the anus of a patient who accidentally swallowed it.
2. During an anoscopy, a foreign object, such as a toy part, is identified and successfully removed from the anus of a child.
3. A patient presents with rectal pain, and an anoscopy reveals the presence of a lodged button battery, which is promptly removed by the healthcare provider.
4. An anoscopy is performed on a patient with a history of rectal foreign body insertion, and a small plastic object is discovered and extracted.
5. A healthcare provider performs an anoscopy and removes a fishbone that had become lodged in the anus of a patient who had swallowed it while eating.
6. During an anoscopy, a healthcare provider identifies and removes a small metal fragment from the anus of a patient who had experienced a traumatic injury.
7. A patient presents with rectal bleeding, and an anoscopy reveals the presence of a sharp object, which is carefully removed by the healthcare provider.
8. An anoscopy is performed on a patient with suspected rectal foreign body insertion, and a small piece of broken glass is discovered and successfully extracted.
9. A healthcare provider performs an anoscopy and removes a plastic bead that had been accidentally inserted into the anus by a child.
10. During an anoscopy, a healthcare provider identifies and removes a small wooden splinter from the anus of a patient who had experienced a woodworking accident.