Advanced Search

Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Identify Site, Procedure for Banding Hemorrhoids

Published on Wed Jan 19, 2011

Question: At our ASC, our gastroenterologist is planning to attempt banding of hemorrhoids. Can you tell me what the global period for this procedure is? Also, can you tell me how to code for this procedure so that there are no complications with billing and insurance? Will the code vary if the physician is banding more than one hemorrhoid?Florida SubscriberAnswer: The global period for banding of hemorrhoids is 10 days. Since rubber band ligations are the most common method of banding hemorrhoids, you will need to code the procedure under 46221 (Hemorrhoidectomy, internal, by rubber band ligation[s]). When hemorrhoids are banded by rubber band ligation, the CPT® code remains the same irrespective of the number of hemorrhoids banded.Note: Some insurance carriers might not give an approval if the procedure is being conducted at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). They may consider this an office-based procedure. It is best to confirm [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Gastroenterology Coding Alert

View All