How To Use CPT Code 31287

CPT 31287 describes a surgical procedure involving the use of an endoscope to create an opening in the sphenoid sinus. 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 31287?

CPT 31287 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure in which a healthcare provider inserts an endoscope into the nasal cavity to create an opening in the sphenoid sinus. This procedure allows for better access to the sinus and can help alleviate symptoms associated with sinus issues.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31287 is: ‘Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical, with sphenoidotomy.’ This code should not be reported in conjunction with other specific codes related to nasal/sinus endoscopy on the same side.

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the healthcare provider will insert a rigid or flexible endoscope into the nasal cavity.
2. The provider may remove a part of the middle turbinate, a structure in the nose that helps warm, humidify, and filter the air, to gain access to the sphenoid ostium.
3. Using appropriate instruments, the provider will enlarge the sphenoid ostium and create an opening in the sphenoid sinus.
4. Great care is taken to avoid any injury to the internal carotid artery or optic nerve during the procedure.
5. After the procedure, the provider will withdraw the endoscope and apply gauze to prevent further bleeding.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 31287 is typically performed on patients who have sinus issues that require surgical intervention. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider who is trained in nasal/sinus endoscopy and has the necessary expertise to safely perform a sphenoidotomy. It is important to note that this procedure should not be reported in conjunction with other specific codes related to nasal/sinus endoscopy on the same side.

5. When to use CPT code 31287

CPT code 31287 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a surgical procedure involving the use of an endoscope to create an opening in the sphenoid sinus. This code should not be used in conjunction with other specific codes related to nasal/sinus endoscopy on the same side.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 31287, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the surgical procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the use of an endoscope and the creation of an opening in the sphenoid sinus
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or adverse events that occurred during or after the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 31287, ensure that the procedure is performed by a healthcare provider who is trained in nasal/sinus endoscopy and has the necessary expertise to safely perform a sphenoidotomy. This code should not be reported in conjunction with other specific codes related to nasal/sinus endoscopy on the same side.

8. Historical information

CPT 31287 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2010, with the addition of the term ‘with sphenoidotomy’ to the official description.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a sphenoidotomy using an endoscope to create an opening in the sphenoid sinus for a patient with chronic sinusitis.
2. During a surgical procedure, a healthcare provider inserts an endoscope into the nasal cavity and performs a sphenoidotomy to alleviate symptoms of recurrent sinus infections in a patient.
3. A patient with nasal polyps undergoes a sphenoidotomy performed by a healthcare provider using an endoscope to improve sinus drainage.
4. A healthcare provider performs a sphenoidotomy using an endoscope to treat a patient with chronic headaches associated with sinus issues.
5. During a surgical procedure, a healthcare provider creates an opening in the sphenoid sinus using an endoscope to relieve symptoms of sinus pressure and congestion in a patient.
6. A patient with sinus issues undergoes a sphenoidotomy performed by a healthcare provider using an endoscope to improve sinus ventilation.
7. A healthcare provider performs a sphenoidotomy using an endoscope to treat a patient with recurrent sinus infections that have not responded to other treatments.
8. During a surgical procedure, a healthcare provider inserts an endoscope into the nasal cavity and performs a sphenoidotomy to remove a sinus cyst in a patient.
9. A patient with chronic sinusitis undergoes a sphenoidotomy performed by a healthcare provider using an endoscope to improve sinus drainage and reduce symptoms.
10. A healthcare provider creates an opening in the sphenoid sinus using an endoscope to treat a patient with sinus issues and persistent facial pain.