How To Use CPT Code 30903

CPT 30903 describes the procedure for controlling nasal hemorrhage using complex or extensive methods. 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 30903?

CPT 30903 can be used to describe the procedure performed by a healthcare provider to control heavy nosebleeds caused by a vessel in the front area of the nose. This code is used when the provider uses complex or extensive methods, such as packing with petroleum jelly or nasal cautery, to stop the bleeding.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 30903 is: ‘Control nasal hemorrhage, anterior, complex (extensive cautery and/or packing) any method.’ This code can be reported bilaterally by appending modifier 50 or with RT/LT if the procedure is performed on both sides.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia if necessary.
2. The patient is positioned correctly, and a nasal speculum is used to locate the site of bleeding.
3. The provider cleans and dries the bleeding site using a cotton tip applicator.
4. Complex or extensive methods are employed to control the bleeding, such as packing the area with petroleum jelly or using nasal cautery.
5. In some cases, the provider may also administer epinephrine and lidocaine HCl injections into the nasal cavity to control the bleeding.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 30903 is used when the provider uses complex or extensive methods to control nasal hemorrhage. This procedure is performed on patients who experience heavy nosebleeds caused by a vessel in the front area of the nose. The use of epinephrine and lidocaine HCl injections may be necessary in some cases.

5. When to use CPT code 30903

CPT code 30903 should be used when the healthcare provider performs the procedure to control nasal hemorrhage using complex or extensive methods. It should not be used for procedures involving simple methods of bleeding control, which are reported with CPT code 30901.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 30903, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for nasal hemorrhage control
• Specific complex or extensive methods used, such as packing with petroleum jelly or nasal cautery
• Date and details of the procedure, including any injections administered
• Unilateral or bilateral procedure (use modifier 50 or RT/LT as appropriate)
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 30903, ensure that the procedure is performed using complex or extensive methods to control nasal hemorrhage. Report the code once with modifier 50 for a bilateral procedure or with RT/LT if performed on both sides. It is important to check with the payer to determine their preference for reporting bilateral procedures to avoid delays or rebilling.

8. Historical information

CPT 30903 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider using extensive cautery to control nasal hemorrhage in a patient with a heavy nosebleed.
2. A provider employing packing with petroleum jelly to stop bleeding in a patient with a vessel rupture in the front area of the nose.
3. A complex nasal hemorrhage control procedure performed by a specialist using a combination of cautery and packing.
4. A healthcare provider administering epinephrine and lidocaine HCl injections to control bleeding in a patient with a complex nasal hemorrhage.
5. A unilateral procedure performed by a provider to control nasal hemorrhage using extensive methods.
6. A bilateral procedure performed by a specialist to control nasal hemorrhage using complex methods, with modifier 50 appended to the code.
7. A healthcare provider using nasal cautery and packing with petroleum jelly to control bleeding in a patient with a complex nasal hemorrhage.
8. A provider performing a complex nasal hemorrhage control procedure on both sides of the nose, with RT/LT modifiers appended to the codes.
9. A specialist using extensive methods to control nasal hemorrhage in a patient with a vessel rupture in the front area of the nose.
10. A healthcare provider employing complex methods, including epinephrine and lidocaine HCl injections, to control bleeding in a patient with a heavy nosebleed.