Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Reader Question:
No Specific Code for Laser Use
Published on Mon Nov 01, 1999
Question: How would you code a direct laryngoscopy w/excision of tumor and/or stripping of vocal chords when using the laser?
Robert S. Thornton, MD,
ENT Center, Shreveport, LA
Answer: The correct code is 31540 (laryngoscopy, direct, operative, with excision of tumor and/or stripping of vocal cords or epiglottis), says Gretchen Segado, CPC, assistant coding compliance manager with Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. Now, Segado says, there is no separate code for using the laser. The same situation applies for tonsillectomies and somnoplasties, which are coded the same regardless of the method used to perform the excisions, Segado says.
Other Articles in this issue of
Otolaryngology Coding Alert
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Septoplasty for Ethmiod Access Unlikely to Get Paid
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Trach Tube Change Billed as Office Visit
Question: What is the proper code for tracheotomy tube change? And can it be billed [...] - Reader Question:
No Specific Code for Laser Use
Question: How would you code a direct laryngoscopy w/excision of tumor and/or stripping of vocal [...] - Reader Question:
Modifier -22 For Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
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No Grafting Code Used if Cartilage Obtained From Specimen
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