Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Question: We sometimes see a patient who will have multiple sinus procedures (31XXX) that do not have a global period performed in addition to a septoplasty (30520), which does have a 90-day global. Does that take the E/M follow-up off the table if we are following the sinusitis only? Would it be appropriate to include modifier 24?

Connecticut Subscriber

Answer: The answers to your questions are “yes” and “no.”

Yes, you’re correct that E/M services in association with nose and sinus care are not billable (including 30520, Septoplasty or submucous resection, with or without cartilage scoring, contouring or replacement with graft). No, you cannot report modifier 24 (Unrelated evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during a postoperative period) unless you are seeing the patient for care unrelated to the original procedure (such as an ear complaint).