Coding: It’s All in the Details

For the patient who comes in with two different diagnoses, such as chronic sinus disease and reflux, otolaryngologists can now bill two separate procedures provided that two different scopes are used: a rigid scope for examining the nose, and a flexible scope for the larynx.

He cautioned physicians to be careful when doing this so as not to raise a red flag. This is new information, and we’re concerned that this is going to be abused, he said. Using two scopes should be reserved for rare situations. We all know that you can look at the osteonasal complex with a flexible scope, and then you can look at the larynx as well, he said.

Regardless of the diagnosis or treatment, when it comes to CPT coding, make sure it is well documented and that medical necessity for the procedure is shown.

©2008 The Triological Society