Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Reader Question:
Yes, You Can Report 42808 With Silver Nitrate Treatment
Published on Mon Nov 25, 2013
Question: If the physician removes a lesion and uses silver nitrate instead of suturing the area, can we still use code 42808?
West Virginia Subscriber
Answer: During this procedure, the physician removes or destroys a lesion on the pharynx. No guidelines state that you cannot report 42808 (Excision or destruction of lesion of pharynx, any method) when using silver nitrate to stop the bleeding. Therefore, you can submit 42808 for the service.
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