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Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Scrutinize Endoscopic Vs. Open Surgery

Published on Wed Oct 18, 2006

Question: Our surgeon documented the following biopsy: -I passed an endoscope into the right naris and the right intranasal exam, where I found a right septal spur and infraturbinal hyptertrophy. I obtained a biopsy through the left naris using Takahashi-type forceps while under the direct visual guidance with the zero-degree endoscope.- I am leaning toward reporting 30100 for the biopsy, but I-m not sure if that's correct. Would you advise?


Missouri Subscriber


Answer: Although 30100 (Biopsy, intranasal) is accurate for a biopsy that the surgeon performs as an open procedure, you should not report this code if the otolaryngologist performs the biopsy endoscopically. Instead, you should report 31237 (Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical; with biopsy, polypectomy or debridement [separate procedure]).
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