Advanced Search

Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Case Study:

Breathe Easy Translating Nasal Notes Into Flawless Code Combinations

Published on Fri Aug 27, 2010

This op report tests your sinus and turbinate coding skills.You can unravel a tricky sinus procedure if you're up to speed on this lingo and you know the related bundling and unbundling rules.See if your turbinate coding is up to par by coding the following operative report:The otolaryngologist began surgery using bipolar forceps to cauterize the inferior and medial borders of the inferior turbinate. He then gently in-fractured the middle turbinate and using the backbiting forceps amputated the inferior one-third of the uncinate process.He identified the natural ostium of the maxillary sinus and connected it with an accessory ostium that was inferior to it. It was extended posteriorly into the fontanel of the middle turbinate. The bulla ethmoidalis was exonerated using the Weil-Blakesley forceps. A Merocel nasal tampon was trimmed to an arrowhead shape and placed in the anterior middle meatus to prevent lateralization of the middle turbinate.The otolaryngologist wants [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Otolaryngology Coding Alert

View All