Remember to Examine 45330-45347 for Sigmoidoscopy Procedures
Question: Is a flexible sigmoidoscopy incomplete when it is at 30 cm, or is it when it doesn’t go past the rectosigmoid junction? I have had multiple different answers and cannot find confirmation for any of them. Ohio Subscriber Answer: According to the CPT® guidelines, a sigmoidoscopy is “the examination of the entire rectum, sigmoid colon and may include examination of a portion of the descending colon.” The rule you mention only applies to colonoscopies. If the provider performs a sigmoidoscopy, then that is your confirmation to report an applicable code, such as 45330 (Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed (separate procedure)). The CPT® guidelines provide instructions on what endoscopy code ranges to look to depending on how far the scope advanced during the procedure. For example, you’ll report a flexible sigmoidoscopy code from 45330-45347 if the endoscope did not advance past the splenic flexure. Mike Shaughnessy, BA, CPC, Development Editor, AAPC 
