Otolaryngology Coding Alert

We’ll show you when to charge higher-valued nosebleed treatment and endoscopy. Because CPT® contains five nasal hemorrhage-control codes, you may question when each description applies. But if you understand simple versus complex, initial versus subsequent, and when to code endoscopic hemorrhage control, you’ll get the right 30901-30906 or 31238 code. Have you ever thought a nosebleed-control chart note sounds as if it warrants more than 30901 (Control nasal hemorrhage, anterior, simple [limited cautery and/or packing] any method) or if you should use the same code for posterior bleed control? You no longer have to wonder about the differences between the five epistaxis-control codes thanks to these tips: 1. File 30901-30903 for Frontal Bleeding When your otolaryngologist uses cautery and/or packing to control anterior bleeding, you should report 30901 or 30903 (Control nasal hemorrhage, anterior, complex [extensive cautery and/or packing] any method). Choose the appropriate code based on the hemorrhage-control amount [...]