Recognize the Correct Foreign Body Removal Code
Question: A physician used a flexible sigmoidoscopy to remove a foreign body from a patient’s rectum. The patient was sedated with general anesthesia. Should we use 45332 or 45915 to report the procedure? Pennsylvania Subscriber Answer: You’ll use 45332 (Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with removal of foreign body(s)) to report the procedure. You indicated the provider used a flexible sigmoidoscopy during the procedure, which means 45332 is the most accurate code to reflect the physician’s work. The two codes you mentioned are different procedures. You’ll assign 45915 (Removal of fecal impaction or foreign body (separate procedure) under anesthesia) when the patient is placed under anesthesia and the provider manually works to remove the foreign body or impacted fecal material. Mike Shaughnessy, BA, CPC, Development Editor, AAPC
