Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Examine anatomy, diagnosis, and nature of exam before jumping to 31231. When the ENT uses the same flexible scope to view the nasal passages, nasopharynx,and/or the larynx, making the correct endoscopy code choice is not always clear cut. Given that the three diagnostic scopes described above are bundled together, the task of choosing only one becomes even more difficult. Boost your endoscopy coding skills -- and save yourself from attracting audits -- with these five expert pointers. 1: Find the Right Code Based on Anatomy Zero in on the correct code by checking the procedure note for the anatomic areas that the ENT examined, says Sanford Archer, MD, FACS, professor in the division of otolaryngology - head and neck surgery at the  University of Kentucky College of Medicine in Lexington. Base your code choice, says Archer, on the following: If the note discusses only nasal/sinus anatomy, 31231 (Nasal endoscopy,diagnostic, unilateral or bilateral [...]