READER QUESTIONS:
Sigmoidoscopy Often Bundles Services
Published on Thu Aug 20, 2009
Question:
Notes indicate that the gastroenterologist performs a rigid sigmoidoscopy; during the encounter, he also performs an anoscopy without anesthesia and three biopsies of the mucous membrane. How should I report this episode? Can I report the exam separately with 46600? Minnesota Subscriber
Answer:
You can report a single code for these three services. On the claim, report 45305 (
Proctosigmodoscopy, rigid; with biopsy, single or multiple) for the sigmoidoscopy, the anorectal exam, and the three biopsies.
Why:
When the gastroenterologist performs an anoscopy (46600 [
Anoscopy; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen[s] by brushing or washing [separate procedure]) or mucous membrane biopsy during a sigmoidoscopy, the services are bundled into 45305.