tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2019 Issue 4

Reader Question: Know Your Nose and Throat Anatomy

Question: The op note documents that the surgeon inserted a scope through the nose to examine the larynx. Is that a nasophar­yngoscopy, and should we report the procedure as 92511? SuperCoder Subscriber Answer: No, the code you listed (92511, Nasopharyngoscopy with endoscope (separate procedure)) describes examination of the nasopharynx, not the larynx. The code you should use is 31575 (Laryngoscopy, flexible; diagnostic) even if the physician inserts the scope through the nose. The physician may choose to insert the scope into the nose or mouth, depending on patient comfort. But the focus of the exam you described is...

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