Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Question: Can I code the removal of a Rhino Rocket^® to control a nosebleed with CPT^® code 30300?

Tennessee Subscriber

Answer: You should not report code 30300 (Removal foreign body, intranasal; office type procedure) for the removal of a Rhino Rocket^® during an office visit. In fact, no code outside of the evaluation and management (E/M) visit is appropriate in this instance. Report code 30300 only for the removal of a true intranasal foreign body such as a small object or piece of food.

For an initial visit involving the placement of a Rhino Rocket® to control a nosebleed, you may report 30905 (Control nasal hemorrhage, posterior, with posterior nasal packs and/or cautery, any method; initial). However, unless the patient identifies a significant, separately identifiable complaint, you should not report a separate E/M code.