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Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Coding Laser Removal of Palate Tumor

Published on Thu Jun 01, 2000

Question: What is the proper code for the removal of a palate tumor with a laser?

Charles Bataglia, MD
Pasadena, Calif.

Answer: Depending on the exact wording in the operative report, the correct code probably is either 42104 (excision, lesion of palate, uvula; without closure) or 42160 (destruction of lesion, palate or uvula [thermal, cryo or chemical]), says Barbara Cobuzzi, MBA, CPC, CPC-H. Even though code 42160 does not specifically mention the laser, if the otolaryngologist actually destroyed the tumor, code 42160 would be appropriate.

Procedures tend to be coded according to what was performed, not the technology used, so the fact that the procedure was performed by a laser should not influence the choice of code.
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