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Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Single-Anatomy Exam Qualifies for 92502

Published on Thu Sep 18, 2003

Question: Using general anesthesia, our ENT physician examines only a young patient's nose for a presumptive nasal fracture. Should I report 92502? Do I need to add modifier -52?

Colorado Subscriber Answer: You should report 92502 (Otolaryngologic examination under general anesthesia) for the exam. Otolaryngologists rarely perform a complete ENT exam under general anesthesia. Because the physician brings the child under general anesthetic to perform a medically necessary (due to the patient's age) otolaryngologic exam element, the procedure meets 92502's requirements. Therefore, you should not append modifier -52 (Reduced services) to 92502.
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