May 25, 2023 Question: What CPT code would I report for implanting a bone anchored osseointegrated implant with a magnetic transcutaneous attachment outside of the mastoid? Answer: In 2023 three new CPT were created to report Transcutaneous osseointegrated implants outside of the mastoid. For the implantation the code to report is 69729, for the replacement of the existing device...
Category: CC-Otolaryngology
E/M Coding Based on Time
May 11, 2023 Question: When choosing the level of E/M we are confused about the History and Exam. If we choose a level of E/M based on time, does this time count toward total time, or is it only time spent on MDM? Answer: When choosing a level of E/M based on time, CPT identifies...
Allergy Injections and E/M on the Same Date
April 27, 2023 Question: We routinely bill allergy an E/M service when the patient comes in for allergy shots. Is that acceptable? Sometimes we bill 99211 if the nurse gives the injection and sometimes if the PA gives the injection 99212. Answer: E/M visits should not be reported with allergy injection services 95115 or 95117...
Allergy Treatment Coding
April 13, 2023 Question: What CPT code do I use to report a vial test? Answer: There is no CPT code, nor should you charge, for a “vial test.” This is part of the vial provision code/activity (e.g., 95165) and not separately reported. *This response is based on the best information available as of 04/13/23....
Glossectomy Coding Help
March 30, 2023 Question: I have a question about glossectomies. When coding a glossectomy what needs to be documented? My physician just states in the operative report he performed a glossectomy. Is that enough? Answer: The answer to your question is no. Glossectomy codes (41120-41150) require removal of a portion or all of the tongue...
Adjacent Tissue Transfer
March 16, 2023 Question: How should my physician document an adjacent tissue transfer? My physician documents the total in sq cm for the entire repair. Answer: The primary and secondary defect dimensions are required. The primary defect is the excision site and the secondary defect results from the flap design to perform the reconstruction. So...
What Does “Separate Procedure” Mean in a CPT Code Description?
March 2, 2023 Question: What does “separate procedure” mean when it follows a CPT code description? Answer: Per CPT: Some of the procedures or services listed in the CPT codebook that are commonly carried out as an integral component of a total service or procedure have been identified by the inclusion of the term “separate...
Secondary Payor Doesn’t Recognize Consultations
February 16, 2023 Question: We have a patient with 2 commercial payers (BCBS and Cigna). A consultation code was submitted to BCBS, and they paid according to our contract. However, Cigna is refusing to process the claim since they no longer pay for consult codes. Am I allowed to change the CPT code and rebill...
Repair of Nasal Valve Collapse
February 2, 2023 Question: I perform repairs of nasal valve collapse with radiofrequency and have been using an unlisted code. One of my colleagues told me there is a new code for this procedure in 2023. Can you provide the code I need to use? Answer: In 2023 a new code was added. CPT 30469...
Forehead Flap
January 19, 2023 Question: Our Otolaryngologist routinely does repairs after Mohs surgery. What CPT code do I report for a paramedian forehead flap to reconstruct a nasal defect after Mohs surgery. Answer: The correct code to report is CPT code 15731 (Forehead flap with preservation of vascular pedicle (e.g., axial pattern flap, paramedian forehead flap)....