Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Scrutinize Endoscopic Vs. Open Surgery
Question: Our surgeon documented the following biopsy: -I passed an endoscope into the right naris and the right intranasal exam, where I found a right septal spur and infraturbinal hyptertrophy. I obtained a biopsy through the left naris using Takahashi-type forceps while under the direct visual guidance with the zero-degree endoscope.- I am leaning toward reporting 30100 for the biopsy, but I-m not sure if that’s correct. Would you advise?
Answer: Although 30100 (Biopsy, intranasal) is accurate for a biopsy that the surgeon performs as an open procedure, you should not report this code because the otolaryngologist documented that he performed the biopsy endoscopically. Instead, you should report 31237 (Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical; with biopsy, polypectomy or debridement [separate procedure]).
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Otolaryngology Coding Alert
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