Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Question: Regarding CPT codes 21315 (closed treatment of nasal bone fracture without stabilization) and 21320 (with stabilization) please let me know what constitutes acceptable forms of stabilization.

Missouri Subscriber

Answer: When performing a closed repair of nasal fracture with stabilization, the otolaryngologist places elevators or forceps into the nose and realigns the nasal bones, says Kathy Zmuda, CPC, lead inpatient coder with CIGNA Healthcare in Peoria, Ariz. However, the bones are still slightly mobile and require additional stabilization with splints, which can be performed externally (i.e., a cast taped to the reduced nose), or internally, by supporting the nasal septum with splints or through gauze packing.

For code 21315, no further stabilization is required after the nasal bone is realigned, Zmuda says.