Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Reader Question:
'Unlisted' Could Be Best Code for Septal Tumor Debulking
Published on Wed Apr 15, 2015
Question: The otolaryngologist debulked a large septal tumor. She didn’t excise the tumor, just basically reduced its size. I haven’t found a code for resection. What do you recommend reporting?
Arizona Subscriber
Answer: Your best option probably is an ‘unlisted’ code such as 31299 (Unlisted procedure, accessory sinuses). Code 31237 (Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical; with biopsy, polypectomy or debridement [separate procedure]) looks like a viable option if the surgeon used a scope, but it doesn’t represent debulking and you don’t indicate intranasal synechia.
Other Articles in this issue of
Otolaryngology Coding Alert
- Allergy Coding:
Beware of Bundles Before Filing an EAA Claim
Your diagnosis choice is simple, but procedures can cross up. Most allergy patients your otolaryngologist [...] - ICD-10:
Prepare for Direct Switch for Laryngeal Spasm Coding Later This Year
You’ll have a single code, but don’t misreport with a less specific option. When ICD-10 [...] - E/M Coding:
Check Whether a 'Mix and Match' Approach to Guidelines Will Help Your Coding Levels
CMS says you no longer have to stick with only 1995 or 1997 rules. For [...] - You Be the Coder:
Coding for Endoscopic Middle Turbinate Removal
Question: The otolaryngologist performed a middle turbinate removal endoscopically, which he indicated as a “nasopharyngeal polyp.” [...] - Reader Questions:
Choose Between 21452 and 21453 for Mandibular Fracture Fixation
Question: The otolaryngologist did several procedures to repair multiple fractures to a patient’s face. His [...] - Reader Questions:
Include RT/LT - Not 50 - With 60212
Question: My physician performed surgery on both the right and the left lobes. The CPT® [...] - Reader Question:
Remember That Edits Bundle 38700 and 42440
Question: My physician noted that he performed “Right radical submandibular gland removal with lymph nodes, supraomohyoid.” [...] - Reader Question:
'Unlisted' Could Be Best Code for Septal Tumor Debulking
Question: The otolaryngologist debulked a large septal tumor. She didn’t excise the tumor, just basically reduced [...] - Reader Question:
Office Visit Codes Don't Work for Inpatients
Question: One of our physicians was called and asked to do a consult on an inpatient. [...]
View All
