Otolaryngology Coding Alert
You Be the Coder:
Does Tonsil Excision Include CO2 Laser?
Published on Thu Apr 08, 2010
Question: Pennsylvania Subscriber Answer: You would use only one code: 42870 (Excision or destruction lingual tonsil, any method [separate procedure]). This CPT code includes use of the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. A tool alone, whether electrocautery, laser surgery, or cryogenic surgery, does not change coding.
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Otolaryngology Coding Alert
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