Advanced Search

Otolaryngology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder :

Code This Complex Nasal Endoscopy

Published on Sun Mar 01, 2009

Question: With an endoscope, our physician removed a massive nasal mass obstructing the nasal vault and nasopharynx with total obstruction of all the sinuses. This was a very complex procedure that took more than an hour longer than usually required. She also removed a polyp from the maxillary sinus. What is the correct code for this operation? Arizona Subscriber Answer: Code 31267-22 (Nasal/sinus endoscopy,surgical, with maxillary antrostomy; with removal of tissue from maxillary sinus) and be ready to appeal with the documentation for the large mass and the extra time it took that justifies appending modifier 22 (Increased procedural service). It sounds like you have documentation of the extra time involved. Be as specific as possible: Compare the actual time -- which must be documented -- to the scheduled time in the operating room, for instance. Cost-effectiveness: You may find the time and effort involved in documenting modifier 22 to cost as [...]
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