Advanced Search

Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Consider What Happens to Mucus During Nasal Endoscopy

Published on Tue Feb 15, 2011

Question: My otolaryngologist performed sinus endoscopy and suctioned only the purulent mucous from the sinus. I'm inclined to report sinusectomy. What is the appropriate code?Answer: In this case, you should bill only 31231 (Nasal endoscopy, diagnostic, unilateral or bilateral [separate procedure]) because nothing was taken out other than excess mucous. The nasal endoscopy was diagnostic and done for the purpose of seeing what was going on. You should also note that the physician didn't send the material -- which wasn't abnormal -- to pathology. If the physician removed necrotic material or tissue -- not just suctioning mucus/pus -- then you should report 31237 (Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical; with biopsy, polypectomy or debridement [separate procedure]).Note: Don't even think about billing 31254 (Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical; with ethmoidectomy, partial [anterior]) or 31255 (...with ethmoidectomy, total [anterior and posterior]), 31267 (...with removal of tissue from maxillary sinus), or 31288 (...with removal of tissue from the sphenoid sinus). These codes [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Otolaryngology Coding Alert

View All