Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Question: I cannot find a CPT^® code for removing a posterior nasal pack. I came across 30906 for reporting control of a nasal hemorrhage when removing and replacing the pack. Can I report 30906 with modifier 52 since my doctor is just removing the posterior nasal pack?

North Dakota Subscriber

Answer: No, you should not report 30906 (Control nasal hemorrhage, posterior, with posterior nasal packs and/or cautery, any method; subsequent) in this case. There is no CPT^® code for removing a posterior pack unless you are replacing the pack at the same time.

When your provider only removes nasal packing, you’ll either submit an evaluation and management (E/M) code or, if they performed diagnostic nasal endoscopy to aid in the evaluation of the nose and bleeding site and nasal pack removal, nasal endoscopy code 31231 (Nasal endoscopy, diagnostic, unilateral or bilateral (separate procedure)).