How To Use CPT Code 30210

CPT 30210 describes a procedure known as displacement therapy (Proetz type) for the treatment of ethmoid and sphenoid sinus infections. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 30210, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 30210?

CPT 30210 is a code used to describe a specific procedure called displacement therapy (Proetz type). This procedure is performed by a physician to drain the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses in order to treat infections. During the procedure, the physician removes pus from the sinuses using thin irrigating fluids, such as silver colloids or saline, and may utilize a suction device to facilitate drainage.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 30210 is: ‘Displacement therapy (Proetz type).’ There are no additional notes or modifiers specified for this code.

3. Procedure

1. In displacement therapy (Proetz type), the physician performs a procedure to drain the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses.
2. The physician dilutes the pus in the sinuses with thin irrigating fluids, such as silver colloids or saline.
3. A suction device may be used to help facilitate the drainage of pus from the sinuses.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 30210 is used when a patient has an infection in the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses that requires drainage. The procedure is typically performed by a physician and is specifically designed for the treatment of these sinus infections.

5. When to use CPT code 30210

CPT code 30210 should be used when a physician performs displacement therapy (Proetz type) to drain the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses. It is important to note that this code is specific to this particular procedure and should not be used for other sinus drainage techniques or for the treatment of infections in other sinuses.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 30210, the physician must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of an infection in the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses
• Details of the displacement therapy procedure performed
• Use of thin irrigating fluids and any additional techniques utilized
• Any complications or adverse events that occurred during the procedure
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 30210, ensure that the procedure performed is displacement therapy (Proetz type) for the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses. It is important to accurately document the procedure and any additional techniques used. This code should not be reported with other codes unless there are separate and distinct procedures performed during the same encounter.

8. Historical information

CPT code 30210 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 physician performing displacement therapy (Proetz type) to drain the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses of a patient with a severe sinus infection.
2. A surgeon utilizing thin irrigating fluids and a suction device to facilitate the drainage of pus from the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses of a patient with chronic sinusitis.
3. A specialist performing displacement therapy (Proetz type) to treat an acute infection in the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses of a pediatric patient.
4. A physician using displacement therapy (Proetz type) to drain the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses of a patient with recurrent sinus infections.
5. A surgeon performing displacement therapy (Proetz type) to treat a complicated infection in the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses of an immunocompromised patient.
6. A specialist utilizing thin irrigating fluids and a suction device to drain the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses of a patient with a fungal sinus infection.
7. A physician performing displacement therapy (Proetz type) to treat a sinus infection that has not responded to other conservative treatments.
8. A surgeon using displacement therapy (Proetz type) to drain the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses of a patient with a history of recurrent sinus infections.
9. A specialist performing displacement therapy (Proetz type) to treat an acute sinus infection in a patient with underlying sinus abnormalities.
10. A physician utilizing thin irrigating fluids and a suction device to facilitate the drainage of pus from the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses of a patient with a severe sinus infection.