Question: What procedure code should I use for a flexible sigmoidoscopy to 15 cm and only done to tattoo a lesion that was found on an earlier procedure? This marked area will be removed at another procedure in the near future.
South Carolina Subscriber
Answer: Use 45335 (Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with directed submucosal injection[s], any substance). You can use the injection codes for a variety of substances the physician injects into the intestinal mucosa. This includes saline to lift a polyp, epinephrine to stop bleeding, botox for sphincter spasm, solumedrol for strictures, or India ink for tattooing of cancerous lesions.
