How To Use CPT Code 30310

CPT 30310 describes the procedure for removing a foreign body from the nasal cavity under general anesthesia. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 30310?

CPT 30310 can be used to report the removal of a foreign body from the nasal cavity when the provider administers general anesthesia to the patient. This code is used when the foreign body is shaped in a way that makes it difficult to remove or when it is positioned deep within the nasal cavity.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 30310 is: ‘Removal foreign body, intranasal; requiring general anesthesia.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the procedure and administers general anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the nasal mucosa to access the intranasal foreign body.
3. The provider uses forceps to grasp the foreign body and removes it through blunt dissection.
4. The small wound in the nasal mucosa is closed by suturing it in a single layer.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 30310 is used when the provider needs to remove a foreign body from the nasal cavity under general anesthesia. This may be necessary if the foreign body is difficult to remove due to its shape or if it is positioned deep within the nasal cavity. General anesthesia may also be required if the patient is unable to tolerate the procedure or if there is swelling near the foreign body.

5. When to use CPT code 30310

CPT code 30310 should be used when the provider performs the removal of a foreign body from the nasal cavity under general anesthesia. It is important to ensure that the circumstances meet the criteria for using this code, such as the need for general anesthesia and the complexity of the foreign body removal.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 30310, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the removal of the foreign body and the need for general anesthesia
• Description of the foreign body and its location within the nasal cavity
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, dissection, and suturing
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 30310, ensure that the procedure meets the requirements for general anesthesia and the removal of a foreign body from the nasal cavity. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and to accurately document the procedure to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 30310 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 removes a small toy from a child’s nasal cavity under general anesthesia.
2. A patient presents with a button lodged deep within their nasal cavity, requiring general anesthesia for its removal.
3. A provider removes a metallic foreign body from a patient’s nasal cavity using blunt dissection and general anesthesia.
4. A child accidentally inserts a bead into their nasal cavity, necessitating general anesthesia for its safe removal.
5. A provider removes a piece of broken glass from a patient’s nasal cavity under general anesthesia.
6. A patient presents with a foreign body lodged deep within their nasal cavity, requiring general anesthesia for its successful removal.
7. A provider removes a small plastic object from a patient’s nasal cavity using forceps and general anesthesia.
8. A child inserts a small button into their nasal cavity, necessitating general anesthesia for its extraction.
9. A provider removes a foreign body from a patient’s nasal cavity under general anesthesia due to the complexity of the removal.
10. A patient presents with a foreign body lodged deep within their nasal cavity, requiring general anesthesia for its safe and effective removal.