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Otolaryngology Coding Alert

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Focus On Anatomy When Deciding Between 31575 and 92511

Published on Wed May 30, 2012

Choosing the correct code can make a difference of $28. When you're attempting to distinguish nasopharyngoscopy from laryngoscopy, just remember this: What matters most is the area the ENT examines, not where he inserts the scope. Site Examined Determines Proper Code When choosing between nasopharyngoscopy (92511, Nasopharyngoscopy with endoscope [separate procedure]) and laryngoscopy (31575, Laryngoscopy, flexible fiberoptic; diagnostic), you should consider not whether the ENT introduces the scope through the mouth or the nose, as you might think. Instead, the key to proper coding is the anatomic area (nasopharynx or larynx) the ENT examines with the scope. As such, the medical necessity is also dictated by the area that the physician needs to view based on the patient's complaints and history of present illness. How mistakes happen: Sometimes physicians choose to perform a nasal scope insertion for a laryngoscopy because inserting the scope through the patient's nose is easier than [...]
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