Reader Questions:
Stop Snoring With Payment
Published on Tue Jul 01, 2003
Question: My otolaryngologists are starting to offer injection snoreplasty. How should I report this procedure?
Tennessee Subscriber
Answer: Because CPT does not contain a code for the procedure, you should use unlisted-procedure code 42999 (Unlisted procedure, pharynx, adenoids, or tonsils), unless a third-party payer recommends another code.
Insurance companies consider the injection procedure to control snoring cosmetic and therefore a noncovered service. For instance, Aetna states, "Treatment of snoring alone is not considered medically necessary and is not covered." Make sure to charge patients cash up-front at the time of the first treatment.
