How To Use CPT Code 21335

CPT 21335 describes the open treatment of a nasal fracture with concomitant open treatment of a fractured septum. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 21335?

CPT 21335 is used to describe the open treatment of a nasal fracture with concomitant open treatment of a fractured septum. This code is used when a provider makes an incision to access the fracture site and then realigns the fractured nasal bones and septum to restore the function and appearance of the nose.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 21335 is: ‘Open treatment of nasal fracture with concomitant open treatment of fractured septum.’

3. Procedure

During the procedure for CPT 21335, the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized. The provider makes an incision over the fracture and into the nasal cartilage to visualize the bone. The provider then exposes the bone segments and uses surgical tools to move the fractured bone and cartilage back into the appropriate positions. Fine wires may be inserted to secure the fragments in position. The provider also reduces, or realigns, the fractured septum and places sutures into the septum to hold it in position. Finally, the incision is closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 21335 is used for patients who have a nasal fracture and a fractured septum that require open treatment. The procedure is performed by a qualified provider who has the necessary skills and training to perform the surgery. The patient must meet the criteria for open treatment, which may include the severity and complexity of the fracture and the presence of a fractured septum.

5. When to use CPT code 21335

CPT code 21335 should be used when a patient has a nasal fracture and a fractured septum that require open treatment. This code is appropriate when the provider performs the procedure to realign the fractured bones and septum through an open approach. It should not be used for closed reduction procedures or for the treatment of nasal fractures without a fractured septum.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 21335, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a nasal fracture and fractured septum
• Description of the procedure performed, including the incision, realignment of the fractured bones and septum, and closure of the incision
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 21335, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for open treatment of a nasal fracture with concomitant open treatment of a fractured septum. It is important to use the correct CPT code to accurately reflect the procedure performed. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 21335 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 21335 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 21335

Five similar codes to CPT 21335 include:

• CPT 21325: Closed treatment of nasal bone fracture without manipulation
• CPT 21336: Open treatment of nasal bone fracture without manipulation
• CPT 21337: Open treatment of nasal bone fracture with manipulation
• CPT 21338: Open treatment of nasal bone fracture with internal fixation
• CPT 21339: Open treatment of nasal bone fracture with external fixation

9. Examples

1. A patient with a nasal fracture and a fractured septum undergoes open treatment with realignment of the bones and septum.
2. A provider performs open treatment of a nasal fracture and a fractured septum in a patient who sustained facial trauma.
3. An individual with a nasal fracture and a fractured septum undergoes open treatment to restore the function and appearance of the nose.
4. A provider performs open treatment of a nasal fracture and a fractured septum in a patient with chronic nasal obstruction.
5. A patient with a nasal fracture and a fractured septum undergoes open treatment to correct breathing difficulties and improve nasal aesthetics.
6. An individual with a nasal fracture and a fractured septum undergoes open treatment to repair the nasal structures and restore normal nasal function.
7. A provider performs open treatment of a nasal fracture and a fractured septum in a patient who experienced a sports-related injury.
8. A patient with a nasal fracture and a fractured septum undergoes open treatment to correct a deviated nasal septum and improve nasal airflow.
9. An individual with a nasal fracture and a fractured septum undergoes open treatment to address nasal deformity and restore nasal symmetry.
10. A provider performs open treatment of a nasal fracture and a fractured septum in a patient who sustained a motor vehicle accident.