How To Use CPT Code 31298

CPT 31298 describes a surgical procedure involving nasal/sinus endoscopy with dilation of the frontal and sphenoid sinus ostia using a balloon dilation technique. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 31298, including its official description, the procedure involved, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and similar codes.

1. What is CPT Code 31298?

CPT 31298 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure that involves the use of nasal/sinus endoscopy to access the frontal and sphenoid sinuses. During the procedure, a balloon-tipped catheter is passed through the endoscope to dilate the ostium (opening) of these sinuses. This code should be used when the procedure is performed on the frontal and sphenoid sinus ostia and should not be reported in conjunction with certain other codes.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31298 is: ‘Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical, with dilation (eg, balloon dilation); frontal and sphenoid sinus ostia.’ It is important to note that this code should not be reported with specific other codes when performed on the same side.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins the procedure by applying a topical nasal decongestant to the patient and ensuring appropriate anesthesia.
2. Access to the frontal and sphenoid sinuses is gained through a nostril using an endoscope.
3. A balloon-tipped catheter is passed through the endoscope and into the orifice of the frontal and sphenoid sinuses.
4. The provider confirms the position of the balloon using the endoscope and withdraws the wire.
5. The balloon is then inflated to dilate the sinus ostia.
6. At the end of the procedure, the balloon is deflated and removed, along with the endoscope.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 31298 is used for patients who require surgical dilation of the frontal and sphenoid sinus ostia. It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with certain other codes when performed on the same side.

5. When to use CPT code 31298

CPT code 31298 should be used when performing a surgical procedure involving nasal/sinus endoscopy with dilation of the frontal and sphenoid sinus ostia using a balloon dilation technique. It is important to ensure that the procedure is not performed on the same side as certain other codes, as specified in the notes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 31298, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for surgical dilation of the frontal and sphenoid sinus ostia
• Date and details of the procedure, including the use of a balloon dilation technique
• Confirmation of the position of the balloon using the endoscope
• Any additional relevant information or findings during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 31298, ensure that the procedure involves the dilation of the frontal and sphenoid sinus ostia using a balloon dilation technique. It is important to follow the guidelines and not report this code in conjunction with certain other codes when performed on the same side.

8. Historical information

CPT code 31298 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2018. There have been no updates to the code since its addition. However, on January 1, 2020, the code description was changed to specify the dilation of the frontal and sphenoid sinus ostia using a balloon dilation technique.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs nasal/sinus endoscopy with dilation of the frontal and sphenoid sinus ostia using a balloon dilation technique for a patient with chronic sinusitis.
2. During a surgical procedure, a provider uses nasal/sinus endoscopy to access the frontal and sphenoid sinuses and performs dilation of the sinus ostia using a balloon dilation technique for a patient with recurrent sinus infections.
3. A patient with nasal polyps undergoes a surgical procedure involving nasal/sinus endoscopy with dilation of the frontal and sphenoid sinus ostia using a balloon dilation technique.
4. A provider performs nasal/sinus endoscopy with dilation of the frontal and sphenoid sinus ostia using a balloon dilation technique for a patient with sinus blockage.
5. During a surgical procedure, a provider uses nasal/sinus endoscopy to access the frontal and sphenoid sinuses and performs dilation of the sinus ostia using a balloon dilation technique for a patient with chronic sinus congestion.
6. A patient with sinusitis undergoes a surgical procedure involving nasal/sinus endoscopy with dilation of the frontal and sphenoid sinus ostia using a balloon dilation technique.
7. A provider performs nasal/sinus endoscopy with dilation of the frontal and sphenoid sinus ostia using a balloon dilation technique for a patient with nasal obstruction.
8. During a surgical procedure, a provider uses nasal/sinus endoscopy to access the frontal and sphenoid sinuses and performs dilation of the sinus ostia using a balloon dilation technique for a patient with sinus headaches.
9. A patient with chronic sinus infections undergoes a surgical procedure involving nasal/sinus endoscopy with dilation of the frontal and sphenoid sinus ostia using a balloon dilation technique.