Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Remember That 30117 Is for Singular Lesion Removal
Question: One of our surgeons needs to excise two intranasal lesions and wants to know if he can bill for both. He wants to use CPT® code 30117 and then 30117 again with a modifier 59. Is this reasonable to bill this procedure like this?
North Carolina Subscriber
Answer:Code 30117 (Excision or destruction [e.g., laser], intranasal lesion; internal approach) represents intranasal lesion excision or destruction. The lesion can be anywhere on the inner nose, not just on the right or left side.
The descriptor also specifies “lesion” as singular, not plural. This means you should report multiple units or append modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) if the otolaryngologist removes lesions from different sites. Check with the payer to verify which reporting tactic they prefer.
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