How To Use CPT Code 30117

CPT 30117 refers to the excision or destruction of an intranasal lesion through an internal approach, and this article will cover its description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples.

1. What is CPT 30117?

CPT 30117 is a medical procedure code used to describe the excision or destruction of a lesion within the nasal cavity through an internal approach. This code is utilized by medical coders and billers to accurately document and bill for this specific procedure when performed by healthcare providers.

2. 30117 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 30117 is: “Excision or destruction (eg, laser), intranasal lesion; internal approach.”

3. Procedure

The 30117 CPT code procedure involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The healthcare provider inserts surgical instruments into the nose to access the lesion.
3. The provider excises or destroys the lesion using a laser, cryotherapy, chemical, or other methods.
4. An antibiotic is applied to the site of the lesion.
5. The wound is left open to heal.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 30117 services are those who have a lesion within the nasal cavity that requires excision or destruction through an internal approach. This may include patients with benign or malignant growths, polyps, or other abnormal tissue formations within the nose. The healthcare provider will determine the necessity of the procedure based on the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and diagnostic findings.

5. When to use CPT code 30117

It is appropriate to bill the 30117 CPT code when the healthcare provider performs the excision or destruction of an intranasal lesion through an internal approach. This code should be used only when the procedure is medically necessary and has been determined to be the most appropriate treatment option for the patient’s condition.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 30117, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and symptoms related to the intranasal lesion
• Diagnostic findings, such as imaging studies or biopsy results, confirming the presence of the lesion
• Indication of the medical necessity for the procedure
• Detailed description of the procedure performed, including the method used for excision or destruction
• Post-procedure care instructions and follow-up plan

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 30117, it is essential to follow the specific guidelines and rules set forth by the payer. Some tips for billing this code include:

• Ensure that the documentation supports the medical necessity of the procedure
• Verify that the procedure was performed using an internal approach, as specified by the code description
• Check for any payer-specific requirements or restrictions related to this code
• Review any applicable modifiers that may need to be appended to the code

8. Historical information

CPT 30117 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was changed on January 1, 2002, with the previous descriptor being “Excision or destruction, any method (including laser), intranasal lesion; internal approach.”

9. Similar codes to CPT 30117

Five similar codes to CPT 30117 and how they differentiate are:

• CPT 30118: This code is used when the excision or destruction of an intranasal lesion is performed through an external approach, such as a lateral rhinotomy.
• CPT 30120: This code describes the excision of the nasal polyp(s) through an external approach.
• CPT 30124: This code is used for the excision of nasal polyp(s) through an endoscopic approach.
• CPT 30125: This code refers to the excision of nasal polyp(s) with the use of a powered instrument through an endoscopic approach.
• CPT 30130: This code is used for the excision of nasal turbinate(s) through an external approach.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 30117 procedures:

1. Excision of a benign intranasal lesion using a laser through an internal approach
2. Destruction of a malignant intranasal lesion using cryotherapy through an internal approach
3. Excision of a nasal polyp using a snare through an internal approach
4. Destruction of an intranasal lesion using a chemical agent through an internal approach
5. Excision of an intranasal lesion using a scalpel through an internal approach
6. Destruction of an intranasal lesion using electrocautery through an internal approach
7. Excision of a nasal septal lesion using a laser through an internal approach
8. Destruction of an intranasal lesion using radiofrequency ablation through an internal approach
9. Excision of an intranasal lesion using a microdebrider through an internal approach
10. Destruction of an intranasal lesion using coblation through an internal approach