Otolaryngology Coding Alert

NCCI 9.2 Limits FEES/FEEST Code Combos

Published on Fri Aug 01, 2003

Otolaryngologists who perform swallowing studies to diagnose dysphagia or employ speech pathologists should not report a diagnostic laryngoscopy with several codes for flexible fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and laryngeal sensory testing (FEEST), according to the latest NCCI edits.

The National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI), version 9.2, effective July 1, bundles the following codes with 31575 (Laryngoscopy, flexible fiberoptic; diagnostic):

92612 Flexible fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing by cine or video recording

92614 Flexible fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation, laryngeal sensory testing by cine or video recording

92616 Flexible fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and laryngeal sensory testing by cine or video recording.

These bundles reinforce that the study includes the scope. NCCI does not allow a modifier, such as modifier -59 (Distinct procedural service), to override the edits, when the otolaryngologist performs the laryngoscopy and evaluation at the same session.

Note: For additional speech pathology edits, see the NCCI edit chart.

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