Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Question: My gastroenterologist performed a rigid sigmoidoscopy, along with anoscopy without anesthesia and three biopsies of the mucous membrane. Can I report the exam separately with 46600?

Maine Subscriber

Answer: Only a single code does the trick. On the claim, you should report 45305 (Proctosigmodoscopy, rigid; with biopsy, single or multiple) for the sigmoidoscopy, the anorectal exam, and the three biopsies).

Anoscopy (46600, Anoscopy; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen[s] by brushing or washing [separate procedure) and mucous membrane biopsy are  omponents of 45305, so you don't need to report them separately.