Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
CareerCenter
Medical Coding Job Board
Log in Register free account

Need help choosing the right code?

Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.

Try CasePilot

Official Description

Anorectal manometry

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Anorectal manometry is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function of the muscles and nerves in the rectum and anus. During this test, a small, thin manometry probe equipped with multiple microsensors and a small balloon is carefully inserted into the rectum. This probe is connected to a computerized device that captures and records the activity of the muscles and nerves in the anorectal area. As part of the procedure, the balloon is inflated with small amounts of air and then deflated multiple times, allowing the physician to assess the muscle responses and overall function of the anorectal region. This test is particularly useful in diagnosing conditions related to bowel control, such as fecal incontinence or constipation. Once the test is completed, the manometry probe, along with the attached sensors and balloon, is gently removed from the rectum, concluding the procedure.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Anorectal manometry is performed for various clinical indications, particularly when assessing anorectal function and diagnosing related disorders. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Fecal Incontinence This condition involves the involuntary loss of bowel control, leading to unexpected bowel movements.
  • Constipation Chronic constipation may be evaluated to determine if there are underlying muscular or nerve issues affecting bowel movements.
  • Rectal Prolapse This condition, where the rectum protrudes through the anus, may require assessment of muscle function.
  • Neurological Disorders Conditions affecting nerve function, such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, may necessitate evaluation of anorectal function.

2. Procedure

The anorectal manometry procedure involves several key steps to ensure accurate assessment of anorectal function. Initially, the patient is positioned comfortably, typically lying on their side. The healthcare provider then prepares the manometry probe, which is a small, thin device equipped with multiple microsensors and a balloon. The probe is lubricated to facilitate easy insertion. Following this, the probe is gently inserted into the rectum, ensuring that it is placed correctly to obtain reliable measurements.

  • Step 1: The healthcare provider positions the patient comfortably, often in a lateral position, to facilitate the insertion of the probe.
  • Step 2: The manometry probe is prepared by applying a lubricant to minimize discomfort during insertion.
  • Step 3: The probe is carefully inserted into the rectum, ensuring proper placement for accurate readings.
  • Step 4: Once in place, the probe is connected to a computerized device that will record the muscle and nerve activity.
  • Step 5: The balloon attached to the probe is inflated with small amounts of air, and the pressure changes are recorded. This inflation is followed by deflation, and this process is repeated multiple times to assess the muscle responses.
  • Step 6: After the test is completed, the probe is gently removed from the rectum, concluding the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the anorectal manometry procedure, patients may experience mild discomfort or a sensation of fullness in the rectal area, which typically resolves quickly. There are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements, and patients can usually resume normal activities immediately. However, it is advisable for patients to follow any specific instructions provided by their healthcare provider regarding post-procedure care and to report any unusual symptoms or prolonged discomfort. The results of the manometry test will be analyzed by the physician, who will discuss the findings and any necessary follow-up actions with the patient.

Short Descr ANORECTAL MANOMETRY
Medium Descr ANORECTAL MANOMETRY
Long Descr Anorectal manometry
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T2D - Other tests - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 97 - Other gastrointestinal diagnostic procedures
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
TC Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GP Services delivered under an outpatient physical therapy plan of care
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
UD Medicaid level of care 13, as defined by each state
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2025-01-01 Changed Short Description changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Guideline information changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"