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Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Coding for Snoring Treatment

Published on Thu Jul 01, 1999

Question: Has a new CPT code been established for somnoplasty procedures for snoring (i.e. procedures performed on the uvula with a somnoplasty unit such as an Ellmond Surgitron)?

Janice Walker
St. Louis, MO

Answer: There is no code for somnoplasty or, for that matter, for laser surgery for snoring. In the meantime, our experts recommend submitting your claim with the code 42299 (unlisted procedure, palate or uvula). Also, include the operative note with the claim, and ask for an independent review from your insurance carrier. Somnoplasty is a fairly new procedure and you will likely get mixed reviews, as some carriers see it as experimental.
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