Sigmoidoscopy Billing Guidelines

During a Sigmoidoscopy, a doctor closely looks at the lower parts of the colon, called the sigmoid colon and the rectum, for signs of cancer or polyps. Polyps are small growths which can over time become cancer. The doctor uses a thin (about the thickness of a finger), flexible, hollow, lighted tube that has a tiny video camera. This tube is called a sigmoidoscope.

The colon comprises three main parts: the ascending colon, the transverse colon, and the sigmoid colon—sometimes called the descending colon. The sigmoid colon is the last one-third of the colon. Flexible sigmoidoscopy enables the doctor to see only the sigmoid colon, whereas colonoscopy allows the doctor to see the entire colon. 

CPT Code
Description
45330
Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing (separate procedure)
45331
Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with biopsy, single or multiple
45332
Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with removal of foreign body
45333
Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) by hot biopsy forceps or bipolar cautery
45334
Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with control of bleeding (eg, injection, bipolar cautery, unipolar cautery, laser, heater probe, stapler, plasma coagulator)
45335
Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with directed submucosal injection(s), any substance
45337
Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with decompression of volvulus, any method
45338
Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) by snare technique
45339
Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with ablation of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) not amenable to removal by hot biopsy forceps, bipolar cautery or snare technique
45340
Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with dilation by balloon, 1 or more strictures
45341
Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with endoscopic ultrasound examination
45342
Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with transendoscopic ultrasound guided intramural or transmural fine needle aspiration/biopsy(s)
45345
Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; with transendoscopic stent placement (includes predilation)