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45300

Proctosigmoidoscopy, flexible; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing when performed (separate procedure)

Surgery Gastrointestinal System - Endoscopy 5.18 Total RVUs
Quick Reference
For flexible sigmoidoscopy to evaluate rectum and sigmoid colon without therapeutic intervention

Relative Value Units (RVUs)

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Work RVU
1.80
Physician effort
PE RVU
3.20
Practice expense
MP RVU
0.18
Malpractice
Total RVU
5.18
Combined value
Dollar reimbursement rates vary by locality and payer. RVUs shown for relative comparison only.
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Clinical Information

When to Use

For flexible sigmoidoscopy to evaluate rectum and sigmoid colon without therapeutic intervention

Time Requirement
10-20 minutes typical procedure time

Common Scenarios

Screening sigmoidoscopy in average-risk patients
Evaluation of rectal bleeding
Follow-up of sigmoid colon polyps
Evaluation of diarrhea or constipation
Assessment of inflammatory bowel disease limited to sigmoid

Documentation Requirements

  • Indication for sigmoidoscopy
  • Extent of examination (sigmoid colon reached)
  • Quality of bowel preparation
  • Findings in rectum and sigmoid colon
  • Withdrawal time and technique

Coding Guidelines

Common Modifiers

52 Reduced services if procedure not completed
53 Discontinued procedure due to patient condition
33 Preventive service when performed for screening
59 Distinct procedural service if performed with other procedures

Bundling Rules

  • Includes inspection of rectum and sigmoid colon
  • Biopsy bundled when performed same session
  • Polypectomy requires separate code
  • Full colonoscopy coded separately if performed same session

Exclusions

  • 45315 (sigmoidoscopy, flexible with biopsy)
  • 45330 (sigmoidoscopy, flexible with removal of tumor)
  • 45378 (colonoscopy, flexible diagnostic)
  • 45320 (sigmoidoscopy, rigid)

Coding Notes

No global period - diagnostic procedure
Limited to rectum and sigmoid colon
Screening sigmoidoscopy requires modifier 33
Document extent of examination

Clinical scenarios

Screening sigmoidoscopy in average-risk patients
Screening sigmoidoscopy in average-risk patients
When to use:For flexible sigmoidoscopy to evaluate rectum and sigmoid colon without therapeutic intervention
  • Indication for sigmoidoscopy
  • Extent of examination (sigmoid colon reached)
  • Quality of bowel preparation
Evaluation of rectal bleeding
Evaluation of rectal bleeding
When to use:For flexible sigmoidoscopy to evaluate rectum and sigmoid colon without therapeutic intervention
  • Indication for sigmoidoscopy
  • Extent of examination (sigmoid colon reached)
  • Quality of bowel preparation
Follow-up of sigmoid colon polyps
Follow-up of sigmoid colon polyps
When to use:For flexible sigmoidoscopy to evaluate rectum and sigmoid colon without therapeutic intervention
  • Indication for sigmoidoscopy
  • Extent of examination (sigmoid colon reached)
  • Quality of bowel preparation

Who are you?

Code Details

Code 45300
Category Surgery
Subcategory Gastrointestinal System - Endoscopy
Total RVUs 5.18

Medicare Pricing

PFS
2025 National Rate
$125.50
Facility
$47.23
Non-Facility
$125.50
RVU Breakdown
Work RVU:0.80PE RVU:2.95MP RVU:0.13Total RVU:3.88CF:$32.3465Global Days:000
OPPS Details
APC:5311Status:TCopayment:
Physician Fee Schedule: Medicare pays physicians based on Relative Value Units (RVUs) multiplied by a conversion factor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPT code 45300?

CPT 45300 is the billing code for "Proctosigmoidoscopy, flexible; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing when performed (separate procedure)". For flexible sigmoidoscopy to evaluate rectum and sigmoid colon without therapeutic intervention

How much does Medicare pay for CPT 45300?

Medicare pays approximately $125.50 for CPT 45300 (national average). Actual payment varies by geographic location due to GPCI adjustments. Hospital and commercial insurance rates are typically 2-4x higher than Medicare rates.

What are the RVUs for CPT 45300?

CPT 45300 has a total RVU of 5.18, broken down as: Work RVU 1.80, Practice Expense RVU 3.20, and Malpractice RVU 0.18. RVUs (Relative Value Units) determine Medicare reimbursement rates.

What documentation is required for CPT 45300?

Key documentation requirements for CPT 45300 include: Indication for sigmoidoscopy; Extent of examination (sigmoid colon reached); Quality of bowel preparation; Findings in rectum and sigmoid colon. Missing or incomplete documentation is a leading cause of claim denials for this code.

Can CPT 45300 be billed with other codes?

Bundling considerations for CPT 45300: Includes inspection of rectum and sigmoid colon. Biopsy bundled when performed same session Use an NCCI bundling checker to verify specific code combinations before billing.

What modifiers are commonly used with CPT 45300?

Common modifiers for CPT 45300 include: 52 (Reduced services if procedure not completed), 53 (Discontinued procedure due to patient condition), 33 (Preventive service when performed for screening). Modifiers indicate special circumstances and can affect reimbursement or prevent claim denials.

What is the time requirement for CPT 45300?

The typical time requirement for CPT 45300 is 10-20 minutes typical procedure time. Time-based codes require documentation of the actual time spent providing the service.

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