Forum - Questions & Answers
new code for laser of hemorroids
What would be the appropriate code for the replacement of 46936?
46936 replacement code
The “any method” codes 46934-46936 have been deleted and replaced with a single code that is specific for destruction of hemorrhoids using thermal energy:
• 46930 Destruction of internal hemorrhoid(s) by thermal energy (e.g., infrared coagulation, cautery, radiofrequency)Code 46221 Hemorrhoidectomy, by simple ligature (e.g., rubber band), remains as another code used by gastroenterologists (in conjunction with sigmoidoscopy).
The global period for code 46930 is 90 days, which means that if the patient is brought back during the global period for a second or subsequent thermal energy procedure, a modifier will need to be applied for the subsequent service to be considered. Physicians may wish to consider the use of modifier 76
Not on my posterior!
"Thermal energy" sure sounds scary, like on the season finale of Lost!