Septoplasty and turbinate outfracturing - Are these bundled?

Can someone please tell me if a septoplasty and turbinate outfracturing can be billed together or is this bundled? I am being questioned by an insurance company. If so, can you tell me where I can get the coding documentation on this?

Thank you,
Sheri

Septoplasty and turbinate

these are not bundled IF the turb fraxture is on the inferior turbinates. She might need modifier 59 on 30930 for tueb fx.

Septoplasty and turbinate outfracture - Bundled?

Can someone please tell me where I can find documentation stating that a septoplasty and turbinate outfracture may be billed together?

Thank you!
Sheri

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects nasal septum defects or
deformities by alteration, splinting, or removal of obstructing supporting
structures.
Turbinoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects nasal obstruction caused by
inferior turbinate hypertrophy. The procedure can involve injections; mechanical
manipulation by turbinate outfracture; destruction of turbinate tissue; partial, total,
or submucous turbinate resection; and nerve resection.

These procedures have to meet specific criteria and a review of op note and diagnosis codes are required.

Septoplasty with turbinates

Be sure the fracture is being done on the inferior turbinates. If so, then you may separately report 30930-50 (bilateral) with 30520 (septoplasty) because these are separate anatomical structures. CCI edits do not bundle these codes but occasionally a payor does. If that happens, resubmit with modifier 59 on 30930. Again, these are separate anatomical structures in the nose.

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Kim Pollock, RN, MBA, CPC
KarenZupko & Associates, Inc.
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