Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Capture 31267 for Sinus Biopsy
Question: On the superbill, the surgeon coded 31256 and wrote as an extra procedure "maxillary sinusoscopy." I think the otolaryngologist is correct not to bill 31267 because he did not remove tissue. But how should I code the sinusoscopy? Georgia Subscriber Answer: When the otolaryngologist performs a maxillary antrostomy and doesn't remove any tissue, such as a biopsy or polyp, you should instead assign 31256 (Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical, with maxillary antrostomy). On the other hand, you should not code the sinusoscopy. Surgical endoscopy (such as 31256-31267) includes diagnostic endoscopy (for instance 31233, Nasal/sinus endoscopy, diagnostic with maxillary sinusoscopy [via inferior meatus or canine fossa puncture]). Answers to You Be the Coder and Reader Questions reviewed by Barbara J. Cobuzzi, MBA, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P, CENTC, CHCC, president of New Jersey-based CRN Healthcare Solutions.
Otolaryngology Coding Alert
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Capture 31267 for Sinus Biopsy
Question: An otolaryngologist documented a procedure as: left endoscopic maxillary antrostomy with biopsy, sinus tissue [...] - You Be the Coder:
Educate Yourself with 11101 Add-On Code Basics
Question: I submitted a claim for 11100 and 11101-59, but the insurance denied it. What [...]
