How To Use CPT Code 30120

CPT 30120 describes the excision or surgical planing of the skin of the nose for a condition called rhinophyma. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 30120?

CPT 30120 can be used to describe a surgical procedure in which the provider removes or abrades the diseased skin tissue of the nose that results from rhinophyma. Rhinophyma is a skin condition that usually affects the tip of the nose, causing congestion, swelling, and thickening of the skin, as well as enlargement of the sebaceous glands.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 30120 is the excision or surgical planing of the skin of the nose for rhinophyma. This procedure involves the removal or abrading of the hypertrophic lesion in a tangential manner, preserving the sebaceous tissue to allow for spontaneous reepithelialization and complete healing. The provider may use techniques such as the YAG laser, dermabrasion, cryotherapy, or electrocautery to perform the excision.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized for the procedure.
2. The provider excises the hypertrophic lesion in a tangential manner, preserving the sebaceous tissue.
3. Techniques such as the YAG laser, dermabrasion, cryotherapy, or electrocautery may be used to remove the diseased skin.
4. The provider ensures minimal bleeding during the excision.
5. If necessary, the provider may perform a total eradication of the lesion, which involves deeper procedures that can go down to the bone and nasal cartilage.
6. In complex or very large lesions, the provider may need to apply a skin graft, which is a separately reportable procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 30120 is used for patients with rhinophyma, a condition characterized by congested, swollen, and thickened skin on the nose, along with enlarged sebaceous glands. The procedure is performed by a provider who surgically excises or abrades the diseased skin tissue of the nose. The patient must have a documented diagnosis of rhinophyma and meet the medical necessity criteria for the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 30120

CPT code 30120 should be used when the provider performs the excision or surgical planing of the skin of the nose for rhinophyma. It is appropriate to use this code when the patient’s condition meets the criteria for the procedure and the provider performs the necessary steps outlined in the official description of the code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 30120, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of rhinophyma
• Details of the procedure performed, including the technique used (YAG laser, dermabrasion, cryotherapy, or electrocautery)
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional procedures performed, such as skin grafting
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 30120, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description. The provider should use the appropriate CPT code based on the specific procedure performed. It is important to follow the guidelines set forth by the payer and report any additional procedures separately if necessary. It is also important to review any specific payer policies regarding the use of CPT code 30120 and any associated modifiers.

8. Historical information

CPT code 30120 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider surgically excising the diseased skin tissue of the nose for a patient with rhinophyma.
2. A provider using dermabrasion to remove the thickened skin on the nose of a patient with rhinophyma.
3. A provider performing cryotherapy to treat the congested and swollen skin on the nose of a patient with rhinophyma.
4. A provider using electrocautery to abrade the diseased skin tissue of the nose for a patient with rhinophyma.
5. A provider performing a total eradication of the lesion on the nose, which involves procedures that go down to the bone and nasal cartilage, for a patient with rhinophyma.
6. A provider applying a skin graft to a complex or very large lesion on the nose of a patient with rhinophyma.
7. A provider using the YAG laser to excise the diseased skin tissue of the nose for a patient with rhinophyma.
8. A provider performing the excision or surgical planing of the skin of the nose for a patient with rhinophyma, preserving the sebaceous tissue for spontaneous reepithelialization and complete healing.
9. A provider removing the hypertrophic lesion on the nose of a patient with rhinophyma using tangential excision.
10. A provider performing the excision or surgical planing of the skin of the nose for a patient with rhinophyma, ensuring minimal bleeding during the procedure.