How To Use CPT Code 42808

CPT 42808 describes the excision or destruction of a lesion in the pharynx using various techniques such as laser, electrocautery, chemical, or cryosurgery. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 42808?

CPT 42808 is used to describe the excision or destruction of a lesion in the pharynx. This procedure involves the removal or destruction of the lesion using techniques such as laser (YAG, Argon), electrocautery, chemical, or cryosurgery (freezing with liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide). The incision made by the physician is closed in layers.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 42808 is the excision or destruction of a lesion in the pharynx using various methods such as laser, electrocautery, chemical, or cryosurgery.

3. Procedure

1. The physician administers anesthesia to the patient.
2. An incision is made over the area of the lesion using a sharp instrument or CO2 laser.
3. The physician removes or destructs the lesion using techniques such as laser (YAG, Argon), electrocautery, chemical, or cryosurgery (freezing with liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide).
4. The incision is closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 42808 is performed on patients who have a lesion in the pharynx that requires excision or destruction. The procedure is typically done under anesthesia. The physician must use techniques such as laser, electrocautery, chemical, or cryosurgery to remove or destruct the lesion.

5. When to use CPT code 42808

CPT code 42808 should be used when a physician performs the excision or destruction of a lesion in the pharynx using techniques such as laser, electrocautery, chemical, or cryosurgery. This code should not be used for lesions in other areas of the body.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 42808, the physician must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for excision or destruction of the pharyngeal lesion
• Specific techniques used, such as laser, electrocautery, chemical, or cryosurgery
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the incision and closure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 42808, ensure that the procedure involves the excision or destruction of a lesion in the pharynx using techniques such as laser, electrocautery, chemical, or cryosurgery. Report this code only for lesions in the pharynx and not for lesions in other areas of the body. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 42808 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 42808 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 physician using laser technology to remove a lesion in the pharynx.
2. A surgeon utilizing electrocautery to destruct a lesion in the pharynx.
3. A specialist applying chemical agents to destroy a lesion in the pharynx.
4. A physician performing cryosurgery to freeze and remove a lesion in the pharynx.
5. A surgeon using a combination of techniques, such as laser and electrocautery, to excise a lesion in the pharynx.
6. A specialist employing cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen to destruct a lesion in the pharynx.
7. A physician utilizing laser technology to remove a lesion in the pharynx.
8. A surgeon using electrocautery to destruct a lesion in the pharynx.
9. A specialist applying chemical agents to destroy a lesion in the pharynx.
10. A physician performing cryosurgery to freeze and remove a lesion in the pharynx.