How To Use CPT Code 30620

CPT 30620 describes a procedure known as septal or other intranasal dermatoplasty, which involves the repair of damaged intranasal mucosal tissue using a graft. 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 30620?

CPT 30620 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure called septal or other intranasal dermatoplasty. This procedure involves the removal of damaged intranasal mucosal tissue and the subsequent coverage of the defect with a graft. It is important to note that this code does not include obtaining the graft itself.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 30620 is: ‘Septal or other intranasal dermatoplasty (does not include obtaining graft).’ This code specifically refers to the repair of damaged intranasal mucosal tissue using a graft, without the inclusion of the graft acquisition process.

3. Procedure

1. To perform CPT 30620, the provider begins by making an incision in the nose, known as a lateral rhinotomy incision. This incision starts from the inner end of the eyebrow, moves down along the outer wall of the nose, over to the nasolabial fold, and continues along the nasal alar base to the philtrum, or groove of the upper lip.
2. Once the incision is made, the provider gains access to the damaged mucosal tissue covering the nasal septum and floor.
3. The provider then removes the damaged mucosal tissue using a scalpel.
4. Next, a split-thickness graft is obtained from the front of the thigh wall. This graft is used to cover the defect created by the removal of the damaged tissue.
5. The provider sutures the graft in place to ensure proper coverage of the defect.
6. Finally, the provider closes the nasal incision, places splints, and inserts gauze into the nasal cavity to control bleeding.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 30620 is typically performed on patients who have damaged intranasal mucosal tissue that requires repair. This procedure is used to address specific conditions or injuries affecting the nasal septum and floor. It is important to note that the graft used in this procedure is obtained separately and is not included in the scope of CPT 30620.

5. When to use CPT code 30620

CPT code 30620 should be used when a provider performs septal or other intranasal dermatoplasty to repair damaged intranasal mucosal tissue using a graft. It is important to note that this code does not include the acquisition of the graft itself. If the graft is obtained during the same procedure, a separate code should be used to report that specific service.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 30620, the provider must document the following information:

• The need for the procedure and the specific condition or injury being addressed
• A detailed description of the procedure performed, including the incision made, removal of damaged tissue, graft placement, and closure of the nasal incision
• The type of graft used, if applicable
• Any additional procedures or services performed during the same encounter
• Any complications or unexpected findings encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 30620, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the description of septal or other intranasal dermatoplasty. The graft acquisition process should not be included in this code. If the graft is obtained during the same procedure, a separate code should be used to report that specific service. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer or relevant coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT 30620 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 performs septal or other intranasal dermatoplasty to repair damaged intranasal mucosal tissue in a patient who experienced trauma to the nose.
2. A patient presents with a deviated nasal septum, and the provider performs septal or other intranasal dermatoplasty to correct the deviation and improve nasal airflow.
3. A provider performs septal or other intranasal dermatoplasty to repair a defect in the nasal mucosa caused by a previous surgical procedure.
4. A patient with chronic sinusitis undergoes septal or other intranasal dermatoplasty to address the underlying mucosal damage and improve sinus drainage.
5. A provider performs septal or other intranasal dermatoplasty to repair a nasal septal perforation in a patient with a history of nasal trauma.
6. A patient presents with nasal obstruction due to nasal valve stenosis, and the provider performs septal or other intranasal dermatoplasty to correct the stenosis and improve airflow.
7. A provider performs septal or other intranasal dermatoplasty to repair a defect in the nasal mucosa caused by the removal of a nasal polyp.
8. A patient with a history of drug abuse undergoes septal or other intranasal dermatoplasty to repair damage to the nasal mucosa caused by drug inhalation.
9. A provider performs septal or other intranasal dermatoplasty to repair a defect in the nasal mucosa caused by a previous surgical procedure.