Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Submit 31240 for Some Nasal Polyp Removals

Published on Thu Jul 25, 2013

Question: The otolaryngologist removed a middle turbinate endoscopically, which he indicated as a “nasopharyngeal polyp.” How should we code this?

Indiana Subscriber

Answer: Confirm with your surgeon that this was a concha bullosa since this is in the area of the middle turbinate. If so, report the procedure as 31240 (Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical; with concha bullosa resection). Link it to diagnosis 478.19 (Other disease of nasal cavity and sinuses) for a concha bullosa.

If the polyp is not a concha bullosa and is further in the in towards the nasopharyngeal area, I would recommend coding this as 42999 (Unlisted procedure, pharynx, adenoids, or tonsils) as this includes the nasopharyngeal area.

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