How To Use CPT Code 30140

CPT 30140 refers to a submucous resection of the inferior turbinate, which can be partial or complete, performed using any method. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 30140.

1. What is CPT 30140?

CPT 30140 is a medical procedure code used to describe a submucous resection of the inferior turbinate. This surgical procedure is performed to treat nasal obstruction caused by enlarged inferior turbinates, which can result from various conditions such as chronic rhinitis or nasal allergies. The goal of the procedure is to reduce the size of the inferior turbinate while preserving the mucosa, thus improving nasal airflow and alleviating symptoms.

2. 30140 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 30140 is: “Submucous resection inferior turbinate, partial or complete, any method.”

3. Procedure

The 30140 procedure involves the following steps:

1. Administration of general anesthesia to the patient.
2. Incision made into the anterior pole of the inferior turbinate.
3. Submucosal dissection performed to separate the mucosa from the underlying bone.
4. Elevation of the inferior turbinates from the turbinate bone.
5. Fracturing and reduction of the turbinate bone while preserving the mucosa.
6. Resection of some lateral turbinate mucosa, if necessary.
7. Replacement of any remaining mucosa over the bare bone of the remaining turbinate.
8. Closure of the incision and application of a nasal packing, if required.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 30140 services are those experiencing nasal obstruction due to enlarged inferior turbinates, which may result from chronic rhinitis, nasal allergies, or other conditions causing nasal congestion. The procedure is typically recommended when conservative treatments, such as medications or nasal corticosteroids, have failed to provide adequate relief.

5. When to use CPT code 30140

It is appropriate to bill the 30140 CPT code when a submucous resection of the inferior turbinate is performed to treat nasal obstruction caused by enlarged inferior turbinates. The procedure should be considered when conservative treatments have been unsuccessful in providing relief, and the patient’s quality of life is significantly impacted by the nasal obstruction.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 30140, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history, including symptoms and previous treatments.
• Physical examination findings, specifically related to the nasal obstruction.
• Diagnosis of the underlying condition causing the nasal obstruction.
• Rationale for performing the submucous resection of the inferior turbinate.
• Detailed description of the procedure, including the method used and any complications encountered.
• Postoperative care instructions and follow-up plan.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 30140, it is essential to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. Ensure that the patient meets the qualifying circumstances for the procedure and that the necessary documentation is provided to support the claim. Additionally, be aware of any specific payer requirements or policies related to the billing of this code. It is also important to note that CPT 30140 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 30130, 30801, 30802, or 30930.

8. Historical information

CPT 30140 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was changed on January 1, 2006, with the previous descriptor being “Submucous resection turbinate, partial or complete, any method.”

9. Similar codes to CPT 30140

Five similar codes to CPT 30140 and how they differentiate are:

• CPT 30130: This code refers to the excision of the inferior turbinate, which is a more invasive procedure than the submucous resection described by CPT 30140.
• CPT 30801: This code is for the ablation of the inferior turbinate using a chemical or electrocautery method, which is less invasive than the submucous resection in CPT 30140.
• CPT 30802: This code describes the ablation of the inferior turbinate using a radiofrequency method, which is also less invasive than the submucous resection in CPT 30140.
• CPT 30930: This code refers to the fracturing of the nasal turbinates, which is a different procedure than the submucous resection in CPT 30140.
• CPT 31240: This code is for the endoscopic resection of the concha bullosa of the middle turbinate, which is a different anatomical location than the inferior turbinate addressed in CPT 30140.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 30140 procedures:

1. A patient with chronic allergic rhinitis undergoes a submucous resection of the inferior turbinate using a microdebrider to alleviate nasal obstruction.
2. A patient with nasal congestion due to vasomotor rhinitis undergoes a partial submucous resection of the inferior turbinate using a coblation device.
3. A patient with a deviated nasal septum and enlarged inferior turbinates undergoes a septoplasty and a complete submucous resection of the inferior turbinate using an endoscopic approach.
4. A patient with nasal obstruction caused by inferior turbinate hypertrophy undergoes a submucous resection of the inferior turbinate using a powered microdebrider.
5. A patient with chronic sinusitis and nasal obstruction undergoes functional endoscopic sinus surgery and a submucous resection of the inferior turbinate using a coblation device.
6. A patient with nasal polyps and enlarged inferior turbinates undergoes a polypectomy and a partial submucous resection of the inferior turbinate using an endoscopic approach.
7. A patient with nasal valve collapse and enlarged inferior turbinates undergoes a nasal valve repair and a submucous resection of the inferior turbinate using a microdebrider.
8. A patient with sleep apnea and nasal obstruction caused by enlarged inferior turbinates undergoes a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and a submucous resection of the inferior turbinate using a coblation device.
9. A patient with a history of nasal trauma and enlarged inferior turbinates undergoes a rhinoplasty and a submucous resection of the inferior turbinate using an endoscopic approach.
10. A patient with chronic rhinitis and nasal obstruction undergoes a submucous resection of the inferior turbinate using a radiofrequency ablation device.