Search Search
Advanced Search

Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Check for Scope With Tonsil Biopsy

Published on Wed Mar 16, 2005

Question: How should I report a punch excisional biopsy of the left tonsil?


Tennessee Subscriber
 

Answer: No specific code exists for a biopsy of the tonsils.

You should instead report the code based on whether the otolaryngologist used a scope. If he didn't, you should assign 42800 (Biopsy; oropharynx).

If the physician used an endoscope, you should report  31535 (Laryngoscopy, direct, operative, with biopsy) or 31536 (... with operating microscope). 

Note: CPT classifies "indirect" laryngoscopy as an endoscopy, even though the procedure requires a mirror, not an endoscope.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles in this issue of

Otolaryngology Coding Alert

View All

Which Codify by AAPC tool is right for you?

Call 844-334-2816 to speak with a Codify by AAPC specialist now.