Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Reader Question:
Diagnosis 528.9 Applies to Elongated Uvula
Published on Mon Aug 19, 2013
Question: I’m searching for an ICD-9 code for an elongated uvula. The surgeon completed a partial uvulectomy, which I know how to code from a procedural standpoint. What diagnosis should I submit?
Answer: The correct diagnosis code is 528.9 (Other and unspecified diseases of the oral soft tissues). Report the procedure as 42140 (Uvulectomy, excision of uvula) and append modifier 52 (Reduced services) since the code represents a complete uvulectomy and your surgeon performed a partial uvulectomy.
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